David Cameron has intervened to allow pubs to stay open late for England's World Cup matches, reversing an earlier Home Office decision. The prime minister called for a rethink after ministers initially rejected a bid to extend serving hours for the tournament in Brazil.
The Home Office had refused the request, arguing the World Cup was not a 'one-off' event like the Queen's Jubilee. However, No 10 sources confirmed that pubs would be permitted to remain open for England's late-night match against Italy on 14 June, which kicks off at 23:00 BST.
A consultation has now been launched covering late-night matches on the opening weekend, the closing weekend (11-12 July), and any England 11pm kick-offs. The pub industry had applied for an extra two hours on the closing weekend, when the final will be played, estimating a potential £20m boost to the economy.
The British Beer and Pubs Association (BBPA) welcomed the 'change of heart', with chief executive Brigid Simmonds calling it 'the most fantastic news for thousands of publicans and millions of football fans'. The Home Office said it would consider responses 'thoroughly and carefully before deciding how to proceed'.
