Boost for boozers with calls for for massive overhaul on licencing laws – what it means for your night out

BOOZING laws should be binned for all huge events after the World Cup boost, pub chiefs say.

Britain’s boozers saw sales boosted by up to a quarter as millions flocked to their locals to support our women last weekend.

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Fans should be allowed to drink at pubs outside of normal hours for all big sports matches, pub chiefs say[/caption]

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Many pubs had to wait until half time to serve – even though councils said they would not enforce rules[/caption]

National events like World Cup finals and major championship tournaments should force the rules to be ripped up without having to apply to special changes, pub chiefs say.

Many establishments had to wait until the second half in the Women’s final on Sunday before they could serve thanks to the strict conditions around drinking – even though councils had been told they would not enforce them.

Campaigners are calling for a change in the law to allow ministers to make blanket changes across the country, rather than rely on local chiefs.

And it needs to be able to happen during summer months when MPs aren’t in Westminster, they say. 

It would mean that pubs could be allowed to start serving earlier, and go on even later, without having to apply for special permission – taking nights out into extra time.

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said: “It’s great that this success was able to give a boost to our pubs after a year where they’ve faced a range of challenges from unsustainably high energy bills to double-digit duty increases.

“Despite the Government’s valuable work encouraging local authorities to support pubs on Sunday, we now need the law to reflect the reality that strict, prescriptive licensing cannot easily flex when key events are taking place while Parliament is not sitting.  

“The Licensing Act is an important piece of legislation, but it was never intended to be so inflexible as to stand in the way of communities coming together and enjoy a beer and celebrate one-off events of national interest.  

“MPs know the pubs are the focal points of their local communities so let’s work together to get an amendment quickly agreed.” 

Tory MP Greg Smith agreed.

He told The Sun: “Lots of sporting events take place at times which to us are in the early morning or late at night and people want to watch them with their friends, at the pub, with a pint.

“Licensing laws have not been updated for the modern age, and have done little for struggling pubs.

“We need a more sensible, common-sense approach to enable communities particularly in rural Britain to meet demand.”

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Fans welcome the lionesses home at Heathrow as they arrive back in the UK[/caption]