By AFP

Concerns are growing in England ahead of Sunday’s women’s World Cup final, but not necessarily because of the outcome: many pubs have no right to be open this early, let alone serve alcohol.

This is the first time that the Lionesses, an English team, have reached the final of the Women’s World Cup. England have not gone this far in the competition since 1966, when the men’s team reached the final against West Germany. The perfect opportunity to meet in a pub, preferably with a beer in hand.

But the game between England and Spain will take place in Sydney and, due to the time difference, when the ball starts rolling, in England it will be 11:00 local time (10:00 GMT).

But on Sunday mornings, until 11.00 or even midday, many pubs are not allowed to open or serve beer.

The debate took place at street level.

The British Beer and Pub Association asked that an extraordinary opening of 10am be allowed.

But a general modification of pub opening hours across England would require the approval of Parliament, which is currently vacant of deputies due to the (boreal) summer holiday, and a request to call Westminster immediately had no effect.

Each pub can ask for its own authorization, but this has to be done five days before the desired day, so it’s too late.

Equal Opportunities Minister Michael Gove has written to local councils asking them to expedite requests from pubs.

The Interior Ministry has also written to the police chief asking them to be encouraged to cooperate with the city council, to guarantee the opening of as many places as possible.

Meanwhile, Conservative MP Michael Fabricant asked police in his constituency to “turn a blind eye” if a bar opens early on Sunday.

And in Cornouailles (south west England), the city council and the police have announced that they will not take forceful action in the event of an early opening during the final.

The British Beer and Pub Association was quick to call on other regions to do the same.