PUNTERS will be in for a treat should England reach the semi-final or the final of Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate’s side has reached the final four in two of the last three major tournaments.
In the World Cup in 2018, England made it to the semi-final before losing to eventual runners-up Croatia.
And in 2020, the Three Lions made it all the way to the final of the Euros before losing to Italy on penalties.
This summer’s Euros will be held in Germany, and for fans who plan on watching from home, many will be flocking to the pubs.
The government announced that pubs can relax licensing hours on occasions that have “exceptional national significance”.
This can be done by Home Secretary James Cleverly and under Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003.
This will be the case should England reach the semi-final or final of the Euros.
The loosening will include pubs in England and Wales, as Scotland and Northern Ireland are in charge of their own licensing rules.
The relaxation of the times would see pubs stay open until 1am.
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As host nation Germany is an hour ahead of UK time, fans will be able to watch evening kick-offs over a pint without the fear of having to leave if a game goes to extra-time or penalties.
The longer hours will also be allowed should Scotland reach the same stages.
The semi-finals will happen on Tuesday, July 9 and Wednesday, July 10.
The final will be on Sunday, July 14 and will be played at the Olympiastadion Berlin.
England fell short of reaching the latter stages of the World Cup in 2022 as they were dumped out by France in the quarter-finals.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, has hailed the decision as a boost to the hospitality sector.
She said: “By cutting red tape, doing business will be that much easier.
“The beer and pub sector is set for a bumper summer of sport.
“So let’s hope that England and Scotland make it not just through to the semi-finals but meet in the final itself, with pub goers able to cheer the teams on with a beer later into the night thanks to these new measures.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
