Midland councils snub big screen showings of World Cup games

And while fans get ready to paint themselves red and white and declare their love for St George and the Three Lions, publicans in the Midlands are hoping the World Cup will provide a much-welcomed boost.

And they could be seeing even more pour through the doors than would normally be expected, after it emerged there won't be any large scale public screening of games in the Black Country, Staffordshire and Birmingham.

That's because councils in the region have snubbed the chance to show England's World Cup games in Brazil on big screens in parks and town centres.

Instead, bars in the Midlands are rubbing their hands together at the prospect of bumper takings with the first game against Italy taking place 11pm on June 14.

None of the four Black Country councils, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell and Dudley will host outdoor events showing the games.

In addition Cannock, South Staffordshire and Stafford councils won't be providing a site for England fans to enjoy the sun and the football.

And Birmingham City Council, which has held public events at Millennium Point and Victoria Square in the city centre in the past, has no plans to shows Roy's boys in Brazil.

Wolverhampton City Council spokesman Gurdip Thandi said: "There are currently no plans to arrange for a big screen to be installed at a city venue to televise World Cup games during the summer.

"The council endorsed the Government's proposals to relax licensing hours during England matches which will support the city's pubs."

Government ministers gave the go-ahead for local authorities to allow pubs and bars to stay open for longer during the World Cup.

The ruling allows pubs to stay open for up to four hours after each England match kicks off, although no alcohol can be served after 1am.

Previously, licensed premises have had to apply for Temporary Event Notices.

One Black Country sports bar boss says plans for authorities not to stage large gathering for games will be to the benefit of licensees.

Simon Moore, general manager of The Pitch Sports Bar in Walsall town centre, said: "I guess the council not having a big event means that children with their families can't watch the games with a large atmosphere. But the other side of it is that pubs and bars can be assured of more people through the door. We're almost sold out. We're a sports bar with 55 screens so there's more pressure on us to deliver a big event and we've got the resources to do that."

Across the street, WS1 Night Club on Bridge Street in Walsall have been publicising an outside big screen to show England games during the World Cup.

Helen Kindon, team leader for Walsall Town and District centres management at Walsall Council, said: "While we are of course hoping that England do well at this year's World Cup in Brazil the council will not be showing any of the matches on big screens around the borough."

South Staffordshire Council said it had no plans but said individual parishes may host their own World Cup events.

Kenny's Sports Bar on North Walls in Stafford will be screening the World Cup on two giant screens and punters can enjoy the game with waitress service.

In Wolverhampton, Hogshead in the city centre has decorated its bar with flags of the countries in the tournament and will be screening England games in the bar and in its outside area.

The Royal London, on Wulfruna Street, is getting in on the action as is Walkabout, on Queen Street, which is offering Brazilian food as part of its menu with people able to book booths to get the best seats for the game.

In Wollaston, Stourbridge, The Britannia Inn Sports Bar has made England versus Italy an all ticket affair due to the demand to watch the game.

Ted Etheridge, who is one of the managers at the bar, said: "I think the fact councils aren't showing the games is a boost to pubs really. It's not there business so it's easier for them to say no where people who have been in the pub trade for a long time know what to do.

"We're going to be packed for the England versus Italy game because there's such a demand to watch it. We've had to do that to keep the numbers down."