Police are blocking bids by north Oxfordshire pubs to get extra opening time during the World Cup.

Banbury police area commander Superintendent Matt Holmes said that the force would object to applications for extensions to licensing hours unless England or Scotland reached the final on July 12.

He fears extensions would result in the need for extra policing to tackle the after-effects of prolonged alcohol consumption, particularly in Banbury, Bicester, Kidlington, Woodstock and Chipping Norton.

The warning comes as pubs are attempting to stay open later to profit from World Cup finals.

But Supt Holmes said the High Court had not made it clear that the World Cup was legally recognised as a special event and therefore entitled to extensions.

He said: "We know that many pubs and clubs will be showing the top games and highlights. But all the main matches can be viewed at home so there is no reason to support applications for extensions night after night."

"It could lead to a lot of policing problems in places like Banbury, Bicester, Kidlington, Woodstock and Chipping Norton."

Supt Holmes added: "There might be one exception. If England or Scotland get to the final, then supporters might want to gather in public and celebrate.

"I certainly did back in 1966 when I was a student.

"So we might have a change of heart - just for July 12."

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