Relaxation of licensing for World Cup

A consultation has been launched by the Home Office to help determine whether licensing hours should be relaxed when England matches are played after 8pm (UK time) in the FIFA World Cup 2014.

A relaxation of licensing hours would relate to the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises and the provision of late night refreshment - and would apply only to on-trade licensed premises. Therefore, regulated entertainment would not be included and would not benefit from the extended hours. If the proposal is rejected then premises wishing to extend their hours would have to rely on Temporary Event Notices as usual.

The Home Office is keen to hear the views of members of the public, those who work in the on-trade and authorities such as the police etc. In particular, they are interested in opinions on how long licensing hours should be relaxed for during England’s matches.

The consultation runs for two weeks and closes on 26 March 2014. It can be viewed and commented upon online.