Pubs to open early for World Cup (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Pubs to open early for World Cup

FOOTBALL fans will be allowed to have an early pint whilst they watch the World Cup.

Cirencester magistrates have agreed to let some pubs open outside the normal licensing hours during the tournament next month.

The move followed a High Court decision to allow a Bristol pub to open early during the World Cup.

The pub had been refused a special license by magistrates last year.

Magistrates agreed applications from nine pubs for a special licence to extend their hours from the first round matches through to the final on June 30.

The pubs were: Bar Harvana, Cirencester; The Bell, Avening; The Crown, Cirencester; the Duke of Wellington, Bourton-on-the-Water; the Greyhound, Tetbury; the Kingsbridge Inn, Bourton-on-the-Water; the Marlborough Arms, Cirencester; the Wheatsheaf, Cirencester; the White Lion, Cirencester.

The World Cup is being hosted in Japan and South Korea but time differences mean some of England's games will start early in the morning.

England's first match is this Sunday against Sweden and starts at 10.30am British time. When England plays Nigeria on June 12 the match will kick off at 7.30am.

Magistrates heard landlords with televisions and big screens were planning to serve World Cup breakfasts and a cup of tea or coffee as well as alcohol.

Speaking after the magistrates decision, Bill Daley, landlord of the Crown in Cirencester, said: "It's a very modern decision and gives us options to do lots of things. "Common sense has prevailed."

David Watson, landlord of the Wheatsheaf pub in Cirencester, said: "Sixty five percent of our trade is sports orientated so we're delighted with the decision.

"We have had enquiries here from French and Irish supporters and we are anticipating opening for those games as well."