Pubs should be allowed to open early for World Cup final, says councillor

A councillor is calling for Gloucester’s pubs and clubs to open early for Sunday’s World Cup final.

Councillor Sebastian Field is urging the city council and the police to agree not to take enforcement action for any venue opening early for the big match.

He said any venue with a licence to sell alcohol should be able to bring their permitted time forward to 10am for this one-off special occasion without fear of prosecution.

England are due to play Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final with the match kicking off at 11am.

“It is the first time since 1966 that England have been in a football World Cup final and it would be brilliant if every venue in the city could open if they wished to without fear of prosecution,” said Councillor Field, who represents Podsmead ward.

“We know times have been tough in recent years for the pub trade in Gloucester and being able to open earlier on Sunday would be a boost to the local economy.

“Many venues may well be able to show the game within their usual opening hours, but some may not and this reassurance from the council and police means they won’t get into trouble.

“It is too late for the council to issue licences to allow pubs and clubs to open but this pragmatic approach will allow local businesses to benefit from what for many of us will be a once in a lifetime occasion – England in a football World Cup final.”

Councillor Field added: “Whatever the outcome on Sunday, the Lionesses have done us proud and proven a real inspiration to many young people.

“Encouraging more women and girls to play football or take up a different sport has a real benefit to fitness, health and wellbeing."