Authorities are asked to “turn a blind eye” to bars opening early for the women’s football World Cup final by councils and the police.
After receiving indications that some establishments may not be able to sell beer or open early for eager fans on the big day due to license restrictions, MPs have urged the authorities to disregard instances of publicans serving outside of their typical Sunday hours.
The local council and police in Cornwall have previously stated they won’t impose any penalties for early opening during the important game.
The Lionesses’ victory against the Netherlands was the most-watched match of the tournament so far, drawing an average of 4.6 million viewers every working day to witness them advance to their first-ever World Cup final.
After defeating the tournament hosts, Australia, on Wednesday, England’s ladies will play Spain at 11 a.m. on Sunday in their first World Cup final.
Although it is now illegal to sell alcohol before 10 a.m. on Sundays, certain establishments, such pubs, are permitted to serve alcohol during certain hours based on their respective licenses.
A nationwide change in licensing hours in England would need the consent of Parliament, which is presently on summer vacation and is not in session; calls for an urgent recall to Westminster have also been rejected.
Sir Michael Fabricant, a Conservative MP, has instead advised his community’s police department to “turn a blind eye” to any bars that open early for Sunday’s World Cup final.
The Lichfield MP informed Ben Adams, the police and fire commissioner of Staffordshire, and Chief Constable Chris Noble in a letter: “As you know, the Women’s World Cup Final will be held at 11am (BST) on Sunday.
Although it would be against the law, I think it would be a wonderful gesture if pubs were permitted to open early.
The police might be willing to overlook this one time only.
In a statement, Sir Michael said: “I believe that now is the right time for the police to exercise restraint and allow bars and other establishments to open early so that people can support our amazing Lionesses in the company of others.
On this particular Sunday, I hope other police forces will exhibit a similar level of flexibility.
Stephen Morgan, a shadow minister for Labour, concurred that Sunday hours should be flexible for bars.
“Let’s be reasonable, I believe they need to be flexible. I believe it to be reasonable,” he said on Times Radio.
On Thursday, Communities Secretary Michael Gove sent a letter to authorities requesting that they do everything within their power to assist venues looking to extend their hours for the game.
Pubs that open earlier than they are typically permitted will not be subject to license limitations, according to Cornwall Council and Cornwall and Devon Police.
“Although it is too late to issue licenses to allow our pubs and clubs to open, this is a sensible way forward, ensuring their businesses can benefit from the occasion, and so people can come together to enjoy the match together,” said Linda Taylor, leader of Cornwall Council.
I’m glad the police are on board with this as well.
Mr. Gove’s letter to municipalities was deemed “too little, too late” by a Stoke on Trent bartender.
According to Victoria Mavin, owner of Stoke-on-Trent’s The Bellringer Pub, “Historically the Government has made allowances for moments in history where they have relaxed licensure law.
They have amended slightly, and there is a blanket rule,” she added.
If this isn’t a significant time in history, I’m not sure what is.
According to Ms. Mavin, accommodations were made in the early 2000s for the coronation, the jubilee, and the Men’s World Cup.
You can’t help but think that if it had been a Men’s World Cup, someone would have seen that these were the times of it and that this is what we might be able to do, she continued.
It’s unfortunate that we’re only talking about it now, at the eleventh hour.
Police chiefs have been urged by the Home Office in a letter to collaborate with authorities to ensure that as many venues as feasible can open.
Most bars won’t be able to serve alcohol until 11 a.m., and they probably won’t have had time to obtain a temporary event notice (TEN) allowing them to change their hours.
Councils across the nation are flying flags, lighting up buildings, and providing free screenings of the game on Sunday to honor this historic and joyful occasion, according to a representative for the Local Government Association.
Councils can only operate within the confines of the current legislation, notwithstanding licensing staff’ best efforts to handle temporary event notices that were received with the legally sufficient amount of notice as quickly as feasible.
The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, and the Culture Secretary, Lucy Frazer, have both confirmed they will be at the game on Sunday in Australia.
Before the final, he declared, “This Sunday, Sydney will be in the spotlight.”
With Australia and New Zealand serving as our fantastic tournament hosts, this is an incredible opportunity to showcase the very best of women’s international sport.
The Lionesses are playing in their first-ever World Cup final, and I’ll be there in person to support them since everyone back home is rooting for them.
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