PUBS in Derby have told of their delight at news the Government is considering allowing special opening hours so they can show some late World Cup 2014 games.
The Home Office has confirmed a public consultation will take place to decide if pubs should be able to extend their licensing hours for some matches in Brazil.
A Home Office spokeswoman said: "Given the time difference between the UK and Brazil and the fact some matches kick off at 11pm, the consultation will cover late-night matches occurring on the opening weekend, the closing weekend of the World Cup 2014 and for England's 11pm matches.
"We will examine the responses to the consultation thoroughly and carefully before deciding how to proceed thereafter."
The Home Office said that, normally, landlords would need to apply individually for temporary licences to open late but that, if the proposal went ahead, it would mean they could show the football without doing this.
The details, the department has said, would be ironed out through the consultation.
England are set to kick off at 11pm against Italy in Manaus on June 14.
Maria Daley, bar lady at the Rose & Crown, Chellaston, said she felt sure the pub would show later World Cup games if extended opening times were permitted.
She said: "We have a licence until 11.30pm, Monday to Thursday, and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
"If the Government confirmed it was allowed I think the brewery would be very interested in opening late, especially for the England games.
"It could be good for takings."
Russell Doherty, landlord at The Navigation Inn, London Road, said: "Anything that saves time and a paperwork is a good thing.
"Obviously we could get some extra trade out of it because a lot of the customers will have been in for the night anyway and will stay on for the football."
Many bars and pubs like Walkabout, in the city centre, the Coach & Horses, Chester Green, and The Neptune, Osmaston Road, already have licences enabling them to open late and show football.
