Bars not pulling World Cup pints or punters

PUBS WITH NO CHEERS: Richie McCaw will soon lead the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup in England but Northlanders are likely to be watching from their lounges in ones and twos instead of in packed watering holes. No local pubs or clubs have applied to open early and show the games.PHOTO/FILE

Northlanders wanting to watch the All Blacks fight it out at this year's Rugby World Cup in London may be confined to their own couches.

Hospitality New Zealand Northland representative Phil Sentch said so far, no pubs in the region had applied for a special licence to open for the September and October games, which were outside normal opening hours.

Mr Sentch, who owns Rynoz Bar and Grill, said probable opposition could be putting off publicans.

"Every special licence that's gone in for World Cup across the country has been opposed by police. They're arguing that it's not a special event. I'm a little bit bewildered about how it doesn't qualify as a special event," he said.

The fee to apply for a special licence had gone up from $63 to more than $300 in the last year. He had decided to shun the pool matches between September 18 and October 17, but would consider opening for finals if the All Blacks made it that far.

"To be honest if I don't apply, I don't know if anyone will ... It's nice to be at the bar for the atmosphere. We opened for the last World Cup and it was fantastic."

Most live games would kick off at 3.55am or 7am.

Whangarei District Council team leader environmental health Reiner Mussle said its licensing committee was yet to receive any applications.

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 means special licence applications must be made at least 20 working days before an event.

All 48 matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sport. The company will also air all All Blacks games free-to-air on Prime - though their pool matches will be delayed.