Landlords in Halstead have welcomed a rethink on licensing hours for England’s World Cup clash with Italy.

Prime Minister David Cameron overruled the Home Office after pubs were refused permission to extend opening hours for England’s opening group game on June 14, which kicks off at 11pm.

The British Beer and Pub Association had asked for a countrywide extension of licensing times to 1am.

It also asked for an extra two hours on 11 and 12 July, when the final will be played, claiming the economy could benefit by up to £20m.

A consultation will now take place before a final decision is made.

Wayne Evans, landlord at the Royal Oak, in High Street, which is licensed until 11.30pm, welcomed the move.

He said: “You make money on anything to do with England.”

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