We are now looking into ways regulars can still celebrate Michael's appearance at the World Cup

Spokesman, Burtonwood Breweries

The time difference between the UK and Japan and South Korea means some of the matches will kick off at 0730BST.

Regulars at the Crown and Liver in Ewloe, Flintshire had planned to celebrate Michael Owen's talents at the local, near where he grew up.

However Mold magistrates have issued a red card and refused landlady Sue Lloyd's application for a special hours licence.

Now the publican is checking the licence's small print to see if she can still open early - but only serve soft drinks and breakfasts.

A spokesman for the pub's owners Burtonwood Breweries said: "Magistrates have decided not to grant a licence for early opening at the Crown and Liver.

Early morning lager wont be available

"The pub had been planning all sorts of events and we're not sure what will be happening now.

"We are now looking into ways regulars can still celebrate Michael's appearance at the World Cup."

The news comes less than a month after two other Flintshire pubs were given the green light to open early and serve alcohol.

The Red Lion in Mold and the Offa's Dyke in Broughton both made successful bids to local magistrates.

Special Occasions

They plan to open in the morning for all matches starting on 1 June.

This will include the quarter finals, the semi and the final - whether England progress through the competition or not.

Licensing laws in Wales and England are governed by local magistrates who have the power to extend pub opening hours for special occasions.

Michael Owen's parents Terry and Janette and girlfriend Louise Bonsall are flying out to Japan and Korea for the tournament.

But due to work commitments his brothers Andy, 32, and Terry, 31, are unable to travel to the Far East.

The pair both work shifts as aircraft fitters at the British Aerospace factory in Hawarden.