THE World Cup first round has given York pub landlords a cash bonanza with fans turning out in force to enjoy breakfast time beer.

Bar staff were today taking more cash than ever with fans crowding bars for the crunch clash between England and Argentina.

Queues developed as supporters tried to bag the best TV view in time for the 12.30pm start.

But the historic licence extensions - to coincide with the early kick-offs caused by Japan and South Korea's different time zones - have already given publicans a big bonus.

Stuart Weston, landlord of the Golden Lion, in Church Street, said: "It has been brilliant. The England v Sweden game was even busier than I expected.

"When I opened the door the queue was huge and stretched right around into Swinegate. The place was packed in seconds and the atmosphere was incredible."

The Wagon and Horses, in Gillygate, has been opening for the 7.30am kick-offs.

Barman Stuart Rennie said: "We've been doing a breakfast deal, it's gone well. The regulars have been in and we've had a few tourists as well."

Paul Jackson, manager of Thomas's, in Museum Street, said the England v Sweden game had been his biggest day so far.

He said: "The England game was massive. We had to open ten minutes early, the queue outside was that big.

"Because we opened just before ten and the game started at half past it meant we made £900 that normally we wouldn't have done."

York police licensing officer Dave Boag said the early drinkers had been behaving themselves so far.

He said: "We are really pleased, the lack of trouble goes pretty much for the whole country. It has been an eye-opener, that's for sure, because this has never been done before, but things are OK at the moment."

Updated: 11:35 Friday, June 07, 2002