Midlands pubs could extend hours for World Cup

Licensing bosses in authorities across the country are having their say over the possibility of extending drinking hours during England's matches in the tournament, which kicks off in Brazil on June 12.

But the proposals have met with a mixed response from the region's council bosses, with some local authorities opposing the move, while others say it will save them thousands of pounds in costs for having to deal with late license applications from individual pubs.

Under the plans put forward by the Home Office during a two-week consultation, pubs could be allowed to stay open for up to four hours after each England match kicks off, although no alcohol can be served after 1am.

The alternative would be for pubs to apply for individual Temporary Event Notices (TENs), a move which Colin Parr, licensing boss at Wolverhampton City Council, said could cost the authority thousands of pounds.

"We have sent off a draft response backing the proposal," he said. "The alternative would require each establishment which wants to open for longer to apply for a TEN.

"We estimate it would cost the authority around £75 per application, which could run into thousands of pounds given the number of pubs involved."

But other local authorities have opposed the idea of blanket extended opening, citing the potential for heightened public disorder. Councillor Gaye Partridge, HR chief for Dudley Council, said the authority expects pub owners to apply for a TEN should they wish to open for additional hours.

Steve Shylock, licensing chief at Cannock Chase Council, said: "We feel that for our area it would be more appropriate to retain the current system of TENs."

Walsall Council said they were unable to give a response to the plans due to the short time frame of the consultation.

Roy Hodgson's side kick off their tournament on June 14 with an 11pm kick off against Italy. This is followed by an 8pm kick off against Uruguay on June 19 and a 5pm kick off against Costa Rica on June 24.