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Local pubs and bars are calling on the Bailiff to extend licensing hours to capitalise on the "buzz" around the FIFA Women's World Cup.
England’s Lionesses this week progressed to the last 16 of the tournament, which is being held in Australia and New Zealand.
The time difference means that their next match, against Nigeria, takes place on Monday at 08:30.
Sean Murphy, Manager of The Lamplighter, said that if the England squad progressed further, he hoped that venues would be allowed to open earlier to show the games – as has been the case with previous major sporting tournaments.
He said: "I hope the Bailiff would grant us an exception to the licence. That would be lovely. And I'm sure it's not just me who would want to open a bit earlier, and it doesn't only support local businesses – it's about helping to promote women's sport in general."
"There's only been one game of this championship so far where we've been able to properly show it at a normal time, and there were over 25 ladies in here watching it.
"There is a real buzz, and people are talking about ladies' football. It's the first time I've seen this happen for a ladies' sport."
Pictured: Lamplighter manager Sean Murphy screens the games at his pub. (Dave Ferguson)
The difference in time zones means that the majority of matches are kicking off at 08:00 or 10:00.
Nigel Godfrey, Operations Manager for Randall's, said the pub chain had no plans to open earlier for the England vs Nigeria game, however, should England progress further and game times dictate opening times we will.
A staff member with the Halkett said that their licence allowed them to serve alcohol only after 11:00 and that if the Lionesses made it to the final, they would consider opening early to serve customers coffees and snacks.
In 2014, then Bailiff Sir Michael Birt approved plans to extend licensing hours to cover live matches during the men's World Cup finals, held in Brazil, from England's opening game.
Pubs and clubs could apply to extend their opening hours and landlords had to give at least 48 hours' notice to the States police and parish Constables on the days they intended to open later.
The same rules were applied during the 2002 FIFA World Cup, held in Japan, and the 2011 and 2019 Rugby World Cups.
Express has contacted the Bailiff's Office for comment, but he is currently on annual leave.
More generally, local football coach Adam Grocott said that Women's World Cup – and the nature of its coverage – was having a "hugely positive impact" on the island's young girls who play football.
GIRLS FOOTBALL | We had lots of fun this Tuesday at our @JerseyFA Girls Only Fun Week! The girls took part in football sessions, tournaments and even watched the @Lionesses in the FIFA Women’s World Cup at lunch time!
— JFA in the Community ???????? (@JFAcommunity) August 1, 2023
It was excellent to see the girls cheering on England! ⚽️???????????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/VuN3g45quv
Adam founded Wednesday Night FC, which invites islanders of all abilities for a kickabout, no matter their skill or level of commitment.
He recently expanded to create a 'Lionesses' branch, where any girls from school age upwards can take part without the pressure of signing with a local league or club.
"The amount and nature of popularity and access through social media is having a hugely positive impact on girls at various levels," he said.
We have some huge news, which was in Saturdays JEP. After recently securing some sponsorship we have decided to use all funds received from it to help ensure that our free girls sessions can continue for the rest of 2023. DM us to find out more about our kickabouts. #wnfc pic.twitter.com/TsIpJrP2Hx
— Wednesday Night FC (@officialwnfc) July 24, 2023
"We allow them an environment to try it out," he said.
"Our women's programme is now growing week by week with new people joining us, and we are getting a lot of mums especially that come to us, who want to start playing again.
"They have all commented that the women's world cup is helping them and inspiring them to come play."
"For teenage girls now, they've never known any different, because we won the Euros last year and it was in the news a lot. The difference lies in islanders who have been to university and returned, and football wasn't on the table when they were a little girl."
Pictured top: Rozel Rovers v the Wanderers at the JFA Women's Cup. (Dave Ferguson)
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