- The UK government is encouraging public celebrations for the upcoming men's football tournament, urging local authorities to swiftly approve outdoor World Cup screenings and beer garden events.
- Communities Secretary Steve Reed has called on councils to avoid being 'the fun police' and not obstruct 'sensible' outdoor gatherings.
- Pubs will be permitted to stay open until 2 am if any of the home nations progress to the knockout stages of the tournament.
- Ministers are proposing to reduce bureaucracy for businesses offering 'pavement pints' and al-fresco dining by extending the current two-year licence period.
- Councils are being asked to quickly process temporary event notices for extended opening hours and special screenings, with the government warning against unnecessarily blocking plans.
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