Lib Dems call for extra time so pubs can stay open for England’s 1 AM kick-off

Lib Dems call for extra time so pubs can stay open for England’s 1 AM kick-off

The Liberal Democrats have today called on the Government to urgently grant an emergency blanket licensing extension for pubs and bars across the country to allow the public to cheer on England in their upcoming 1:00 AM World Cup knockout match on Monday morning.

Licensing laws mean the vast majority of pubs would be forced to shut their doors and turn off their screens just as the match begins - leaving millions of fans locked out. Lib Dem Home Affairs Spokesperson Max Wilkinson has said this “would be the worst decision since the introduction of hydration breaks”.

The Government has previously relaxed rules during the tournament so pubs can stay open for home nation matches until 2am for start times between 5pm and 11pm, but pubs will currently have to apply for a temporary licence if they want to stay open for England’s 1am kick-off against Mexico this weekend.

The party is calling for an immediate government directive allowing hospitality venues to remain open until the end of the match. Pressing Business Ministers on this in the Commons this morning, Liberal Democrat calls were rebuked by the Government. The party is calling for a VAR review of this decision.

The Liberal Democrats have previously demanded Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor of London to run a fully extended, 24-hour Night Tube service on England and Scotland match days to allow fans to get home safely after the late match start times.

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Home Affairs, Max Wilkinson MP, said:

“This decision by Ministers is more Mike Bassett than Alf Ramsey.

“I’ve checked the VAR footage of their response to my question and it looks like a clear foul. Failing to relax these rules would be the worst decision since the introduction of hydration breaks - a real own goal by ministers.

“Pubs face missing out on a much needed opportunity to get more money into the till and England fans will be missing out on the opportunity to watch their team together in their local with a beer for the biggest game of the tournament so far.

“The Government must back our hospitality venues and allow England fans to cheer on the Three Lions as they head to Mexico.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

See Max Wilkinson’s question in Parliament this morning here: parliamentlive.tv/event/index/632fb680-d094-401d-b4b6-4aa69cd85787

Previous Government advice to pubs on trading hours can be viewed here: www.get-licensed.co.uk/get-daily/can-your-pub-stay-open-later-world-cup/