Women’s World Cup final: Huge win for Brits watching Lionesses’ on Sunday as Government calls on pubs to open early
THE Government has called for pubs to open early on Sunday for the Women's World Cup Final.
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove has urged councils to let pubs sells booze before 10am, an hour before the Lionesses take on Spain.
Many pubs can open early but most are banned from selling alcohol in the early morning - sparking calls to let punters toast the team ahead of kick-off.
Mr Gove last night wrote to town halls urging them to process short-term licence requests - which would allow alcohol sales - in rapid time before Sunday's clash rather than the typical five-day turnaround.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman is also telling police chiefs to play ball so as many boozers as possible can open up their bars.
Mr Gove said: "The whole nation is ready to get behind the Lionesses this Sunday in what is England's biggest game since 1966.
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"I’ve asked councils to do everything they can to help pubs get open earlier on Sunday, so people can come together and enjoy a drink before kick-off for this special occasion."
UK Hospitality boss Kate Nicholls said: "The nation will be cheering on the Lionesses on Sunday and the next best thing to being in Australia is enjoying the match in the pub or hospitality venue.
"Many are taking advantage of the fact that they can open to encourage people to come out for breakfast or brunch to get ready for this historic match.
"Demand from fans has been exceptional, with bookings filling rapidly, and there’s no doubt the day will be a huge boost for the sector, potentially delivering an additional £41 million in sales.
"It’s been really positive to work with the Government to ensure everyone can get a chance to join in the celebrations.
"I’d echo the Government’s support for local authorities taking a pragmatic view to venues opening early to allow people to make the most of this momentous occasion."
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It followed fevered demands from landlords and punters to get into the World Cup spirit and let the booze flow.
Chris Jowsey, chief executive officer of Admiral Taverns, which runs more than 1,600 pubs, said: “We urge the Prime Minister to allow pubs to open at 10am on Sunday to support our Lionesses and bring communities together to cheer on the team.
“It has been inspiring to watch not only their outstanding achievements on the pitch, but the way it has brought the nation together off the pitch.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, had added: “Millions of people have been cheering on our amazing Lionesses throughout this tournament at their local pub.
“Now, as England enter their first World Cup Final since 1966, we need the government to step in and allow the necessary regulatory easement to allow pubs to serve the public from 10am on final day.
“Where there’s a will, there has to be a way.”
MPs yesterday even demanded an emergency sitting in Parliament to bring about the changes required for pubs to open.
The Lib Dems demanded politicians return to Westminster from parliamentary recess so a new law can be passed to change alcohol restrictions on the day.
Lib Dem Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper MP said: "This is an open goal for the government.
"The Lionesses have made history by reaching the final, it’s only right that people across the country can come together and show their full support on Sunday.
“MPs should get down to Westminster tomorrow and score a last minute winner for our pubs and the Lionesses."
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Alun Cairns MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, said: “Early opening and serving would be a fitting tribute to the Lionesses and a welcome boost to the industry.
“I have raised the issue with the Home Secretary directly who is looking in to see what is possible.”