Pub owners have asked ministers to allow them to serve drink from 10am on Sunday for the World Cup Final.

Most pubs can sell alcohol only after 11am, an hour after kick-off. Owners, with the support of MPs, say it is important to allow pubs to be at the heart of communities as they cheer the Lionesses on.

It is hoped that the final could give pubs – at least in England – their busiest day of the year.

The British Beer and Pub Association said: ‘Let us serve for the Lionesses! The pub is the home of sport and the focal point of communities coming together to celebrate great sporting moments.

‘We are calling on the Government to allow pubs to serve beer from 10am this Sunday in recognition of the historic achievement of the England women’s football team reaching the country’s first World Cup final in almost 60 years.’

Pub owners have asked ministers to allow them to serve drink from 10am on Sunday for the World Cup Final (stock photo)

Pub owners have asked ministers to allow them to serve drink from 10am on Sunday for the World Cup Final (stock photo)

Pub owners have asked ministers to allow them to serve drink from 10am on Sunday for the World Cup Final (stock photo)

There have been concerns that the Government has not met the success of the women in the World Cup with the same enthusiasm as for the men’s team. Official sources appear – at this stage – to be rejecting calls for a Bank Holiday should the Lionesses lift the trophy.

The BBPA said: ‘Pubs have the ability to open their doors early but, under current regulations, most are only likely to be able to sell alcoholic beverages from 11am on Sundays.

‘We are therefore calling on the Government to allow all pubs to provide full service from 10am in acknowledgement of the value and importance of this event to the country and to allow pubs to offer the best experience in supporting their customers and communities.

‘Sunday’s game is the first World Cup final England have reached in almost 60 years, and gives the chance for England, for the first time in the nation’s history, to become both world and European champions.

‘The BBPA represents over 20,000 pubs and we are calling on the Government to do whatever must be done to change this regulation as fast as possible so pubs can prepare to serve the public, and fans can enjoy the communal experience of supporting England in a World Cup final among their fellow fans.’

Conservative MP Alun Cairns, chairman 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 to see what is possible. We need to do all we can to support the team, whilst at the same time backing our great British pubs.’

Most pubs can sell alcohol only after 11am, an hour after kick-off. Owners, with the support of MPs, say it is important to allow pubs to be at the heart of communities as they cheer the Lionesses on. Pictured: Fans at the Boxpark in Shoreditch, London watching the Lionesses take on Australia on Wednesday in the World Cup semi-final

Most pubs can sell alcohol only after 11am, an hour after kick-off. Owners, with the support of MPs, say it is important to allow pubs to be at the heart of communities as they cheer the Lionesses on. Pictured: Fans at the Boxpark in Shoreditch, London watching the Lionesses take on Australia on Wednesday in the World Cup semi-final

Most pubs can sell alcohol only after 11am, an hour after kick-off. Owners, with the support of MPs, say it is important to allow pubs to be at the heart of communities as they cheer the Lionesses on. Pictured: Fans at the Boxpark in Shoreditch, London watching the Lionesses take on Australia on Wednesday in the World Cup semi-final

Chief executive of the BBPA, Emma McClarkin, said: ‘Millions of people have been cheering on our amazing Lionesses throughout this tournament at their local pub, enjoying the unrivalled pub atmosphere and communal celebrations.

‘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, so fans and communities can come together and cheer the Lionesses to victory at the best place to watch live sport, the pub.

‘Where there’s a will, there has to be a way.’

More than 900 ‘sport pubs’ in the Greene King group are planning to offer a free drink to fans between 11am and 2pm – providing they are wearing the England kit, England colours or England face paint.

Greene King’s Michelle West said: ‘This is the first time any England football team has been in a World Cup final since 1966 so we want to throw the ultimate celebration.

‘This is a fantastic opportunity to get behind the team and continue to boost the profile of women’s sport.’

The Liberal Democrats have urged the Government to recall Parliament to pass legislation allowing pubs to serve alcohol from 10am.

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.’

Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk

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