Soccer: No breakfast pub licences for World Cup fans

The chances of soccer fans watching next summer’s early morning World Cup matches in the pub were dealt a blow today when the Government indicated it had no plans to grant early opening licences.

Many landlords have said they will apply for special licences if the Republic wins its forthcoming crucial play-off against Iran, which would take the country through to the finals.

But if the national team makes it to the finals in South Korea and Japan, the time difference will mean many matches kick off around 7.30am, prompting the publicans to call for early opening.

Pubs in England have already secured an arrangement with the British Government under which they will be able to open at 6am on match days.

But tonight the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform said ‘breakfast drinking’ licences are not planned.

‘‘Currently there are no plans for granting such licences,’’ a department spokesman said.

‘‘It would require changes to current legislation and there are no plans to alter the legislation.

But he added: ‘‘That doesn’t rule it out totally.’’

Meanwhile, soccer fans face an alcohol ban when they travel to the Iranian capital Tehran on November 15.

Fans will have to observe strict Islamic customs - anyone caught drinking will be arrested, the Foreign Office warned.

Men are banned from wearing short trousers or sleeveless shirts and it is not yet known whether women will be able to attend at all.

Visitors can expect to be searched for alcohol at Tehran airport, ahead of the match at the capital’s 100,000-capacity Azadi stadium.