UK councils told to ignore ‘fun police’ and approve as many World Cup beer garden screenings as possible
While the government encourages public celebrations, local authorities are being pressured to quickly approve outdoor World Cup screenings and beer garden events this summer.
Communities Minister Steve Reed has called on councils to avoid being the “fun police”, saying they should not block “sensible” outdoor gatherings ahead of the men’s football tournament later this month.
Ministers are also proposing to reduce red tape on businesses offering “pavement drinking” and outdoor dining.
This includes extending the two-year license period for establishments looking to serve customers on the street and simplifying outdoor use.
Additionally, if any country reaches the knockout stages, bars will be allowed to stay open until 2am.
Municipalities are asked to process temporary event notifications quickly, especially for later opening hours and special screenings. While final approval rests with local authorities, officials have warned that councils that unnecessarily block plans will be “held accountable” by the government.
It is understood further details about this will be revealed in a letter from Mr Reed to local leaders.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said red tape “should not stand in the way of fans enjoying the game with their friends and local pubs also making a big swap”.
“Having a pint on the pavement in the sunshine to discuss the pain of fines and soak up the atmosphere is what pubs are about and we support them,” he said.
“Let’s hope we have a summer full of fans enjoying England’s great wins on the big screen in pub gardens.”
Mr Reed said: “We are asking councils to support as many applications as possible for special events because the last thing any of us want to see is people being grassed indoors in the middle of penalties.
“So let’s show the fun cop the red card, get behind England and get back to our pubs. He might actually be coming home this time.”
Environment Minister Emma Reynolds said ministers had asked councils to apply a “common sense” approach during the qualifiers, with some local authorities setting closing times based on “strict noise concerns”.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has announced plans to change the licensing period for paving permits in a bid to reduce red tape.
Currently, a superstructure permit can be issued for a maximum of two years.
The government wants to increase this and has said it will confirm details, including maximum term length and legislation plans, in due course.
It is also expected to consult on the introduction of a minimum period for paving permits, which does not currently exist.
A spokesman for the Local Government Association, which represents councils across England, said: “Councils support communities coming together to enjoy the World Cup and will work with pubs and residents to make licensing decisions based on local circumstances and community needs.”
