PM Overrules World Cup Pub Opening Ban

David Cameron has overruled the decision not to allow pubs across the country to stay open late to screen key World Cup matches.

The British Beer and Pub Association had applied for a national extension of opening hours for two occasions during this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

The first was for pubs to remain open for the England v Italy game on Saturday, June 14, which is due to start at 11pm UK time and the second was for the final weekend of the tournament on July 11 and 12.

However, the Home Office turned down the application saying that there would be no national extension of opening hours because it was not a case of "exceptional circumstances" such as the royal wedding or the Queen's Jubilee.

Instead pubs would be expected to apply individually for temporary licences, a process the BBPA claimed would have cost a total of £738,000.

However, in a significant about turn, Sky sources have learned that the Prime Minister is looking to introduce a nationwide extension of pub opening hours for the England game and the World Cup final, irrespective of who is playing.

They said that there would now be a consultation on whether to allow a national extension.

The only England match affected by an "after hours" start is the Italy game because it is being played in Manaus where the time difference with the UK is significantly greater.

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