A pub in Ipswich has become the next establishment in the town centre to apply for an earlier alcohol licence on Ipswich Town matchdays.

The Halberd Inn has set an application to Ipswich Borough Council to serve alcohol drinks from 8am when Town are playing.

It is the latest in a number of pubs around the town to apply for this sort of licence, following Mannings and The Station Hotel, which have both been granted permission.

Pubs and bars in the town fill up earlier on Ipswich matchdays, particularly when Town are playing at Portman Road.

The Halberd InnThe Halberd Inn (Image: Archant)

There have been three home games so far this season against Liverpool, Fulham and Aston Villa. On all occasions pubs have been full hours before kick-off.

The Halberd Inn has also applied to amend a condition relating to smokers in the external areas of the pub.

The licensing committee will discuss the licence application in due course, with representations open until November 1.