Worries are growing in England ahead of the Women’s World Cup final late on Sunday morning, but not really about the outcome: Many pubs are not allowed to open that early, let alone serve alcohol.
This is the first time that the Lionesses, the English team, have reached the final of the World Cup. England had not come this far in the competition since 1966, when the men beat West Germany at home. The perfect opportunity to meet up in the pub, preferably with a beer in hand.
But the game between England and Spain will take place in Sydney and due to the time difference it will be 11:00 (10:00 GMT) in the UK when the kick-off is played.
But on Sunday mornings, until 11am or even noon, many pubs are not allowed to open nor serve pints.
So the debate goes on.
The British Beer and Pub Association has called for an exceptional opening at 10am.
However, a general change in pub opening hours across England will require Parliament’s approval. However, due to the summer holidays, MPs are not currently in session and requests for emergency call backs to Westminster have been rejected.
Each pub could apply for its own permit, but this must be done five days before the big day. It is therefore already too late.
Equal Opportunities Secretary Michael Gove has nonetheless written to councilors asking them to speed up pub applications.
The Home Office has also written to police chiefs, urging them to work with local authorities to ensure as many places as possible are open.
Tory MP Michael Fabricator urged him to ask police in his constituency to “turn a blind eye” if a pub opened earlier on Sunday.
And in Cornwall (south-west England), city council and police have already announced that they will not take any enforcement action if the opening is early during the final.
The British Beer and Pub Association was quick to urge other regions to do the same.