A BURNTWOOD councillor has welcomed confirmation that pubs and clubs will be able to stay open for the upcoming football World Cup.
The Government says bars will be able to extend opening hours for certain fixtures featuring England and Scotland at the tournament.
There had been fears that the hospitality industry could be missing out on trade due to late kick-offs at the World Cup the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Cllr Darren Ennis, Labour representative for Chasetown ward, had raised concerns there could be an own goal if licensing laws were not adapted for the tournament in a question to a meeting of Lichfield District Council this week.
He said:
“I wanted to put this on the agenda because our pubs, clubs and bars are a huge part of community life, and big tournaments like the World Cup can be a real opportunity for them.
“With some matches due to kick off very late in the UK, it was important to raise the issue early and push for a more practical approach.
“I am really pleased to see the Government has now stepped in.”
He said the decision was good news not just for hospitality businesses, but for the communities they serve as well.
Cllr Ennis added:
“This is a positive move for local venues, for customers and for the wider community. Our pubs and clubs bring people together, create a fantastic atmosphere, and give people somewhere to enjoy these big national moments together.
“They also support local jobs and the local economy, so when there is a chance to help them make the most of an occasion like this, that is something worth backing.”
Cllr Ennis said he believed the announcement showed the value of raising practical issues early, especially where local businesses could benefit.
He said:
“Sometimes you have to get in early, make the case and push the issue up the agenda. That is exactly what I wanted to do here – and it is great to see that support now coming forward.
“I will always back our local hospitality trade because these businesses are at the heart of our towns and communities.”
