Will he blow for extra time?

Wednesday 05 February 2014

Economic Development Minister Alan Maclean is considering letting pubs open longer for England’s starting World Cup fixture against Italy on 14 June.

The tournament is being held in Brazil, which is two hours ahead of the UK, but because Roy Hodgson’s men’s first match kicks off at 11 pm GMT, an extension to opening hours would be needed.

The minister – a Manchester United supporter – said that he would be considering the question carefully.

“We have not made a decision yet, but we hope to announce something well in advance of the start of the tournament, after we have consulted widely with the authorities and the industry,” he said.

No extensions would be needed for the games against Uruguay (8 pm UK time on 19 June) or Costa Rice (5 pm UK time on 24 June). In the perhaps unlikely event of England reaching the final, the match will be played at 8 pm on July 13^th in Rio.

Poland have not qualified for the tournament, but Portugal have – the earliest that they could face England would be the semi-finals.

In the UK, David Cameron over-ruled one of his Liberal Democrat coalition partners by declaring that pubs could have an extension to cover the match, after Home Office Minister Norman Baker initially refused an application.

Back here in Jersey, Senator Maclean will be hoping the issue doesn’t kick-off (careful now – Ed.) and turn into a major political football (leave it – Ed.) or he might find himself right back (I won’t tell you again – Ed.) in the election standings and end up paying a political penalty (clear out your desk – Ed.).