Australian pubs given unprecedented rule changes for Socceroos fans
Soccer fans across Australia will be able to watch this weekends’s knockout World Cup clash against Egypt together, with extended trading at eligible venues.
Millions of Socceroos fans will have the chance to calm the nerves at licensed venues all night long for Saturday morning’s make-or-break fixture with Egypt.
Watering holes across NSW and Victoria that broadcast the match will be allowed to open their doors for the 4am (AEST) head-to-head.
The rules differ between each state but will mean fans won’t have to elbow their way to a find a spot at a live site to watch the round of 32 in company.
While eligible venues will automatically be allowed to stay open in NSW and Victoria, operators in other states will have to apply to do so.
In NSW, all broadcasting venues will be allowed to open from 3am while those that would otherwise close at 1am or 2am can stay open all night.
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Additional metro services will also run from 1.30am to 5am and select train and light rail services will begin earlier, to aid revellers in getting to live sites in the Sydney CBD and Homebush.
“These extended trading hours and transport measures will create an amazing festival atmosphere that only football can deliver,” Football Australia chief executive Martin Kugeler said.
In Victoria, Premier Jacinta Allan on Thursday announced all venues that broadcast the game will be allowed to stay open all night.
Last service will come an hour after the 90-minute match ends.
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The extended hours will complement live sites at Melbourne’s Fed Square and AAMI Park.
“Good luck Socceroos – Victoria is behind you,” Allan said.
In Queensland, pubs and clubs across will be allowed to trade from 3-7am on game day, as long as they’re open for the primary purpose of broadcasting the game.
Operators must be granted approval in advance by the state’s Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation. Applications close at 2pm on Thursday.
“This is the kind of balanced, exciting approach that helps our night-time economy thrive while keeping Queenslanders safe,” Queensland Youth Minister Sam O’Connor said.
Eligible venues in Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory can also apply for extended trading approvals where required.
The World Cup is among Australia’s most-anticipated sporting events. The Socceroos’ third match against Paraguay last Friday attracting 4.84 million viewers on SBS.
Saturday’s fixture marks the third time the Socceroos have reached the knockout stage of the World Cup, after 2006 and 2022.
The match will be played at Dallas Stadium, Texas.
-with AAP
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