MHCLG urges councils to support local pubs this summer

The Government has urged councils across England to take a pragmatic approach to licensing applications linked to this summer’s World Cup, encouraging authorities to swiftly approve outdoor gatherings and special events designed to bring communities together.

In a letter sent to local authority leaders, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed called on councils to support as many Temporary Event Notices (TENs) as possible to help pubs extend their opening hours and host screenings during England’s World Cup campaign.

The intervention comes less than a week before England begin the tournament against Croatia, with ministers keen to ensure pubs and hospitality venues can maximise the social and economic benefits of the competition.

“The best World Cup moments are the ones we watch together,” Reed wrote. “For every England game we need to pack out our local pubs and get them buzzing.” He added: “I am asking you to support as many of these as you can, and to deal with them quickly – especially for ones in beer gardens.”

The letter, dated 8 June, highlights the role that pubs play as community hubs and follows the Government’s announcement that licensing hours will be extended for certain World Cup fixtures involving the home nations.

Reed urged authorities to avoid unnecessary delays, particularly where venues are seeking permission to use outdoor spaces.

“The last thing any of us want to see is people being turfed indoors half-way through penalties,” he said.

The message echoes reports highlighted by the Institute of Licensing, which said local authorities were being encouraged to “rapidly approve outdoor gatherings and public screenings” as ministers seek to support community celebrations and boost trade for pubs and hospitality businesses. According to the Institute, councils are being asked to adopt a “pragmatic approach” to temporary event applications linked to the tournament, including requests for outdoor screenings and later opening hours. 

The Institute also reported that ministers had warned against councils acting as the “fun police” by obstructing sensible plans that would allow supporters to watch matches together in beer gardens and other outdoor spaces. While local authorities will retain responsibility for determining applications based on local circumstances, the Government has indicated that authorities which unnecessarily block proposals could face scrutiny from central government. 

In his letter, Reed acknowledged that councils must balance competing considerations when making licensing decisions.

“I know you will be doing everything you can and that you’ll need to balance other factors when you make these decisions,” he wrote. “The vast majority of licensing authorities do an excellent job and we know you will allow for as many notices as you can.”

However, he added: “If it appears authorities are unnecessarily blocking people from getting together or holding things up, I will want to know why.”