Birmingham pub grateful for late open during England game
Sir Kier announced that pubs across England and Wales could stay open until 5am for the home game
A pub landlord in Birmingham says they've welcomed the boost to business, after being able to stay open until 5am for the World Cup.
It's after England beat Mexico 3-2 at Azteca Stadium in the early hours of Monday morning (6th July).
Last week, the Government granted venues across England and Wales special permission to open late for the 1am kick-off.
Peter Connolly, from the Anchor pub and Nortons in Digbeth, says they’ve seen sales rise by around 25% during the football tournament this year.
Nortons had 300 bookings ahead of the home game.
He says it's not been the easiest time for the hospitality sector in the past year, so the news was welcome.
Mr Connolly said: “It’s really good to see the Government actually getting it right for once with hospitality, so we’re very grateful.
“The fact the Government have said its blanket across the UK, everyone can stay open until 5am if they want to. That’s great. It’s not the easiest time for hospitality at the moment.
“In a time where the hospitality sector is struggling, this is a great opportunity for businesses like us to engage with the customers, and make a bit of money, but to also remind customers that we’re still there. We’re still providing a service.”
Lyle Bignon, the Night-Time Economy Ambassador for Birmingham, said: “In enacting this emergency legislation, the Prime Minister and Home Secretary have acknowledged the calls from our sector and recognised the crucial role that hospitality and the NTE plays in the UK.
“As this instance demonstrates, licensing in the UK is in dire need of a radical overhaul by the next Prime Minister and their Cabinet.
He added: “Such moves are important for our tens of thousands of industry workers who will be ensuring England supporters are well looked after during the Mexico game - illustrating why our city-region’s world-class hospitality and NTE is so valuable.”