Talks Underway to Allow Pubs to Open Earlier for Women’s World Cup Final
The UK government is currently in discussions about potentially allowing pubs and bars to open earlier than usual for fans watching the Women’s World Cup final between England and Spain. The match is scheduled to kick off at 11am UK time, which conflicts with existing licensing laws that prohibit the sale of alcohol before 10am on Sundays. However, the Home Secretary has the authority to temporarily relax these rules for events of exceptional international, national, or local significance.
Temporary orders have been issued in the past for occasions such as royal events and the FIFA World Cup in 2014. These orders allow licensed premises to open outside their usual hours without the need for a temporary event license. While it is not yet confirmed whether this will be the case for the Women’s World Cup final, talks were underway on Wednesday to explore the possibility.
In addition to discussions about opening hours, there have been inquiries about the potential for a public holiday if England wins the World Cup. However, the UK government has stated that there are currently no plans to change the existing pattern of public and bank holidays.
The opening weekend of the Women’s National League is also scheduled to take place on the same day as the final. However, fixtures have been carefully planned to ensure minimal clashes with the match. The earliest matches of the day will kick off at 2pm BST, allowing players, staff, and fans to still enjoy the final.
Some fixtures have been delayed or rescheduled to accommodate the Women’s World Cup final. The FA Women’s National League and its member clubs agreed in June that the season should start on August 20th, knowing that it would coincide with the final. Steps have been taken to minimize travel commitments and match preparation, ensuring that players and fans can fully support the Lionesses in their quest for victory.
The game is expected to attract a massive audience in England, where enthusiasm for women’s football is particularly high. The Lionesses’ success in becoming European Champions on home soil last summer has fueled excitement and interest in the sport. In fact, their victory over Germany in the Euro 2022 final was watched by a peak audience of 17.5 million on BBC One.
The Women’s World Cup final will be a historic moment for England, as it marks the first time the women’s team has reached the final since the men’s team won on home soil in 1966. The match against Australia in the semi-finals showcased the team’s determination and skill, with goals from Ella Toone, Sam Kerr, Lauren Hemp, and Alessia Russo securing England’s place in the final.
As anticipation builds for the Women’s World Cup final, fans across the country are eagerly awaiting news on whether pubs will be allowed to open earlier. This decision would provide an opportunity for supporters to come together and celebrate the achievements of the Lionesses. While talks are still ongoing, it is clear that the UK government recognizes the significance of this event and is considering measures to accommodate fans and ensure they can fully enjoy the final.
In conclusion, discussions are currently taking place regarding the possibility of allowing pubs and bars to open earlier for fans watching the Women’s World Cup final. The UK government has the authority to temporarily relax licensing laws for events of exceptional significance. While no official confirmation has been made, talks are underway to explore this option. Additionally, steps have been taken to ensure minimal clashes between the final and fixtures in the Women’s National League. The game is expected to attract a large audience, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for women’s football in England. As fans eagerly await news on pub opening hours, it is clear that efforts are being made to accommodate supporters and create an enjoyable experience for all.