Magistrates yet to discuss World Cup 6am extensions
More confusion over licensing hours has hit the trade after magistrates denied they had given the nod to pubs serving alcohol from 6am during England's World Cup matches next summer.
Earlier this month it was widely reported that the Magistrates' Association (MA) had issued guidance to its members telling licensing benches to approve any applications for extended opening hours during the World Cup next June.
However, Anne Flintham, spokeswoman for the MA, last week said no such guidance had yet been issued.
She said: "Clearly we would want licensing benches to take a consistent approach to applications for extensions during the World Cup, but we haven't even discussed what that approach might be, let alone issued any advice."
Because the tournament is taking place in Japan and South Korea the time difference means one match will kick off at 6.30am UK time, with others starting at 7.30am, 8.30am or 10am - all before usual pub opening time.
The news that pubs would be allowed to serve alcohol was welcomed by the industry, which had been concerned it would miss out on the lucrative football trade.
But there is now concern that the trade will not be able to make the most of the event.
MA representatives are due to meet culture minister Kim Howells later this month to discuss opening hours during the World Cup.
Under current advice, benches are unlikely to view the event as a special occasion and grant licences for pubs to open.
The uncertainty has been widely criticised by licensees. Bill Sharp, chairman of the National Parliamentary Committee of licensees, said the problem had arisen because of the Government's failure to introduce licensing reform to relax opening hours permanently.
He said he believed the confusion had further strengthened the case for licensing control remaining with magistrates and urged the MA to issue guidelines.
"I think we should leave it to the professionals, they can issue guidance and we can get on with taking money from people," he said.
Many licensees are already being urged to open during the matches by regulars.
Some are planning to offer breakfasts and soft drinks as an alternative to alcohol.
Mark Hastings, spokesman for the British Beer and Pub Association, said: "This is strange. The initial statement issued by the MA, as it was relayed to me, seemed very clear."
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Pubs given nod to sell alcohol from 6am for World Cup matches (02 November 2001)