New Wetherspoons rules for football fans watching Euro 2024 at pub chain

Britain's well-liked pub chain, JD Wetherspoon, has made a swift change of tack regarding their previous ban on displaying England flags in its pubs during the forthcoming Euro tournament this summer.

It seems that, eager to ride the wave of football enthusiasm, individual establishments will now be permitted to fly the flag if they wish to mark the much-anticipated event.

Wetherspoons will be screening all matches happening throughout June and July. The chain's revised stance is perhaps a response to the controversy stirred up in 2018 when the popular watering hole found itself amid a so-called 'patriotism row' as reported by the Express.

READ MORE: Full list of London pubs showing Euros 2024 matches including one with £5 pints

It received backlash during 2018's World Cup as it instructed its venues not to hoist England flags showing the St George's Cross, or indeed, any other nation's flag during the international football festival. Rather, all 32 competing nations were represented through more subtle decoration involving bunting, reports Bristol Live.

The decision to prohibit flags led to public discontent. At the time, spokesman Eddie Gershon explained to the Express: "We wouldn't want an England flag being put up in the heart of a pub by a staff member."

Whether flags are put up in staff rooms is up to the discretion of the manager.

We have sent all pubs bunting, which includes flags of all the teams. "However, earlier this week it was revealed that the former flag ban would be lifted for the Euros. The chain confirmed to The Express that their pubs would be 'free to display' English and Scottish flags should the venues opt to do so. Eddie Gershon commented: "We want our pubs to be welcoming to all football fans and they will have bunting with the flags of all competing nations.

Pubs are free to display Scottish and English flags as well, should they wish. "Following the announcement that Wetherspoon's pubs across the nation are set for a vibrant makeover, there's more good news for pub-goers: establishments may keep their doors open until 1am. The Government has indicated that licensing laws will be relaxed for pubs during the football festivities in July if the home teams advance to the final four, a decision first mentioned back in May.Home Secretary James Cleverly has the authority to prolong pub opening times for events deemed of "exceptional national significance". He expressed his enthusiasm, saying: "Over the coming weeks we will all be getting ready to support our home nations in what will be a busy summer of sport and a proud moment for Britain.

"He also highlighted the positive impact on the hospitality industry, adding: "This boost to the hospitality sector will allow friends, families and communities to come together for longer to watch their nation hopefully bring it home."

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