PUB landlords in the town have backed calls for licensing hours to be made more flexible during next summer’s World Cup.

The tournament is being held in Brazil next June and the time difference means some of the games will not kick off until 11pm UK time.

The British Beer And Pub Association has called for the Government to allow pubs to stay open later so fans can enjoy the games with a pint – a position which has won local support.

Howard Taylor, the manager of the Steam Railway, in Old Town, said it would be an easy opportunity for the authorities to help the pub industry.

He said: “It would be very helpful because the World Cup is such a big event.

“The recession has changed the drinking habits of young people who now head out much later on a night out.

“It means that a lot of sport events aren’t as busy as they used to be.

“Pubs need a lot of support these day so this would be an easy way. Pubs can request Temporary Events Notices to stay open for special events but we can only use a limited number of these each year.

“If they don’t extend the hours then we will use them all but then this takes them away for the rest of the year.”

During the World Cup stages the kick-off times will be 5pm, 8pm and 11pm, which means many pubs will be forced to close shortly after the later games kick off.

Previous major events have seen the licensing laws and trading laws relaxed in order to increase business.

Darren Gee, the manager of the New Inn, in Stratton, said: “We have a late licence so the option to stay open is available to us but it would be a good way of supporting the pub trade.“Mid-week football is often a busy time for pubs, so any extra support will be a help.

“We are hoping the World Cup will be a busy time for us, so are looking forward to it, but the industry could do with the extra help.”

The Government can put forward a motion to have the hours relaxed,but it has the support of one local MP.

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has said he is in favour of the proposals.

He said: “I would be keen to see the Government explore this, as we have seen the positives at previous World Cups, the Olympics and the Royal Wedding.

“These events can be a real boost to our local leisure economy.”