Monmouthshire landlords and local MP David Davies have reacted angrily to news that Welsh pubs will not be allowed to stay open late during this summer’s World Cup.
The UK Government recently announced it would let pubs carry on serving until 1am during England’s late night matches from Brazil.
But the automatic licensing extension will apply just to England, the only home nation to have a team in the tournament.
Welsh pubs will either have to close as normal or apply for temporary event notices. Scotland has its own licensing laws.
Mr Davies described the situation as “outrageously unfair”, both to English people living in Wales and Welsh publicans, and has written to the Home Secretary Theresa May to request a change.
“While Wales will sadly not be represented in Brazil, we are still part of the UK and there remains a great deal of interest in one of the world’s biggest sporting events,” he said.
“Many Welsh drinkers, especially in border towns such as Monmouth and Chepstow, will want to watch England’s matches and it seems outrageously unfair that they will be unable to do so.
“Welsh pubs will obviously want the same boost as their English counterparts and if they have to apply for individual licensing extensions there’s an associated cost and effort.
“I have asked the Home Secretary to urgently explain the reasons why Wales is being treated differently and to reconsider extending pub licensing hours across the border.”