Pubs are seeking for licensing restrictions to be loosened so that establishments can serve alcohol beginning at 10:00 BST on Sunday, ahead of the Women’s World Cup final.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) wants pubs to be able to serve drinks prior to the start of the game.
The BBC thinks that it is unlikely because MPs would need to return to Westminster to temporarily modify the rules.
On Sundays, pubs can open whenever they choose, but when they can sell alcohol is determined by each pub’s license.
Under the Licensing Act 2003, temporary changes to licensing laws that apply in England and Wales for special events must be agreed by both the Houses of Commons and the Houses of Lords.
This has already been done in advance of major events such as the Platinum Jubilee and the Euro 2020 final.
However, because Parliament is now in recess, it is thought that the administration would not recall MPs to make the adjustment in time for the England vs. Spain final.
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Individual bars can request for a special exemption to serve alcohol earlier than their normal licence allows, although this needs several days’ notice before any event.
If any venues had waited until the day of the semi-final to apply, it would have been too late to obtain clearance for the final on Sunday.
The BBPA, which represents over 20,000 pubs, told the BBC that it did not expect many bars to apply for the temporary notice for the big game.
