Wales to get licensing hours extension for World Cup

The Government had originally refused to extend the blanket policy - which allows pubs to extend their licences by four hours, to a maximum of 1am – across the border because it was not an “event of national significance” for Wales.

However, after the Publican’s Morning Advertiser​ raised the concerns of Welsh licensees, the Home Office has rushed through new legislation.

This takes the form of scrapping the fees for Temporary Event Notices and producing a bespoke form (attached below) designed to speed up the process.

A Home Office spokesman told the PMA the deadline for submitting the TENs was next Friday (6 June).

Support​

Crime Prevention Minister Norman Baker said: “We want everyone to get behind the England football team this summer.

“The Government has already relaxed licensing hours in England for the World Cup and some people in Wales have said they would like longer opening hours too.

“That is why we have introduced legislation to make it easier and cheaper for pubs across Wales to extend their licensing hours.”

Excitement​

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “It’s great news that the Government has taken action to ensure pubs and pubgoers in Wales will now find it easier to enjoy the England games in pubs throughout Wales.

“Wherever you are, when it comes to enjoying the huge excitement of the World Cup, only being at the game itself can compare with being in the pub.” 

The Home Office has also said for licensed premises in Wales that have already paid out for a TEN for a World Cup match there will be a refund of up to £21. This can apply to any World Cup match during the group stages and any game England play further into the competition.