Sheffield pub refused early license ahead of Steel City derby

A pub has been refused permission to open early ahead of the Sheffield Steel City derby over concerns about violent disorder

The Beer Engine, in Cemetery Road, had applied to serve alcohol from 08:00 on November 10, ahead of the 12:30 kick-off between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday.

South Yorkshire Police said it had opposed all applications for temporary licenses due to the “long history of violence” associated with derby matches, including a Sheffield Wednesday fan being fatally attacked in 2022.

Rejecting the application, Councilor David Barker said the decision did not reflect badly on the site, but the authority had a responsibility to help police tackle crime, disorder and violence.