Welsh pub company makes its own World Cup plans after Home Office snub

Last week the Home Office announced a relaxation of licensing hours for England's World Cup games starting after 8pm, saying it was "an occasion of national significance".

However, despite 77% of those consulted saying they wanted the extension to cross the border, it will only apply in England.

Now Brains, which owns a number of sport-friendly pubs across its estate, has said it will be applying for temporary event notices (TENs) in selected outlets. 

Bruce Newman, head of marketing at Brains, said: “While Wales will sadly not be represented in Brazil, we still expect there to be interest in one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

“Brains pubs have become popular places to watch live sport. The World Cup should prove no exception, and matches will be shown in all of our sport-led pubs.”

The Home Office's concessions mean pubs can extend their licenses for four hours beyond kick-off up to 1am at the latest. It means pubs will be able to serve later for England's opener against Italy on Saturday 14 June (11pm kick-off) and the Uruguay clash on Thursday 19 June (8pm start).