The BBPA has welcomed the publication of the Home Office consultation on ‘The relaxation of licensing hours during the FIFA World Cup, 2014.’ The consultation follows the Prime Minister’s decision to reconsider the initial rejection of the BBPA’s request for an extension across England & Wales.
The BBPA believes that this short consultation, which runs from the 13th to the 26th March, is an opportunity for the trade, and football supporters, to make it clear that they want to see England’s opening game at their local pub.
Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive, comments:
“We welcome this consultation as an opportunity to make clear the wish of publicans, the wider industry and most importantly England fans to enjoy World Cup 2014 in their local pub – the next best thing to being there.
“Over the next fortnight I encourage publicans and fans to make their voice heard by responding to the consultation.”
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For further information please contact:
Neil Williams, Head of Media: (020) 7627 9156 / 07974 249 779
Gareth Barrett, Public Affairs Manager: Tel: (020) 7627 9154
Sophie McIntyre, Communications & Campaigns Officer: Tel: (020) 7627 9155
Notes to editors:
The British Beer & Pub Association is the UK’s leading organisation representing the brewing and pub sector. Its members account for 96% of the beer brewed in the UK and own nearly two thirds of Britain’s 49,500 pubs.
‘Relaxation of licensing hours during the World Cup: consultation document’ can be found here.
The online portal to respond to the consultation can be found here.
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has produced definitive guidance for pubs, to help ensure that this year’s World Cup screenings are a success, which can be downloaded here. The new advice has been developed with the support of the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). Live sport is now a hugely important part of the pub experience – the BBPA says that around four million people headed to their local in 2010 to watch the first England World Cup game, clearly showing preparation for Brazil 2014 is now essential for licensees.
The guidance is intended as a template for pubs, local authorities and police to work together to ensure that the World Cup is a successful and enjoyable occasion. It provides a handy checklist for licensees to run through in making sure all angles to running a successful event are considered and covered.