Lancaster and Morecambe venues to open early for England World Cup bid

Friday, 18 August 2023 15:05

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Rachel Daly and Georgia Stanway celebrating as England beat Australia in the World Cup semi-final

Venues across the Lancaster and Morecambe district will open early on Sunday as England women's football team bid for World Cup glory.

The Lionesses will face Spain in the World Cup Final in Sydney, Australia, with the kick-off at 11am UK time on Sunday.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said most pubs can start serving alcohol from 11am but it is calling for the law to be relaxed so football fans can enjoy a drink from 10am.

Pubs can choose when they open on Sundays, but the time from which they can start selling alcohol varies depending on each pub's individual licence.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove has written to local councils asking them to do "everything they can to help pubs get open earlier on Sunday".

A spokesperson for Lancaster City Council said: “Like everyone else we’re roaring on the Lionesses and crossing our fingers for an England win on Sunday and while many people will be watching from home, others will want to support the team with friends at their local pub.

“While we’ve not had any requests to date, and many premises have licences which allow them to serve alcohol prior to 11am in any event, any that may wish to open earlier than their stated hours should contact us so we can provide support and advice.

“Requests should be sent to licensing@lancaster.gov.uk and in order us to deal with any enquiries in good time, we’d request them to be sent to us by 5pm tomorrow (Saturday).”

Many local venues have already confirmed they will open to show the game on Sunday.

Venues showing the match include:

LANCASTER

The Borough

Wagon and Horses

The Crafty Scholar

The Royal Hotel

The George and Dragon

Hogarths

Kanteena

The Pendle Witch

Jimmy's Tap House