UK Government Directs Councils to Fast-Track Outdoor World Cup Events and Consider Longer Pavement Licences
Ministers are asking local authorities to speed up approvals for outdoor screenings and later pub hours ahead of the men's football tournament. The government also plans to lengthen the maximum term for pavement licences.
ukdefencejournal.org.ukThe UK government is directing councils to process applications quickly for outdoor World Cup screenings and extended pub hours ahead of the men's football tournament later this month. Communities Secretary Steve Reed said councils should avoid acting as "the fun police" and should not obstruct "sensible" outdoor gatherings.
Ministers are proposing to cut red tape for businesses offering pavement pints and al-fresco dining.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced plans to change the licensing period for pavement licences, which can currently be granted for a maximum of two years. The government wants to increase this term and will confirm details including a maximum term length and plans for legislation in due course.
It is also expected to consult on introducing a minimum term for pavement licences.
Pubs will be allowed to stay open until 2 am if any home nations reach the knockout stages. Councils are asked to quickly process temporary event notices for later opening hours and special screenings. Officials warned that councils unnecessarily blocking plans for outdoor World Cup events will be held to account by the government.
Further details will be set out by Steve Reed in a letter to local leaders. " He continued: "So let's show the fun police the red card, get behind England and back our pubs.
