Euro fever fuels bookings at Fullers' pubs, CEO says

(Reuters) - UK's Fuller Smith & Turner is seeing a jump in advance bookings at its pubs for the next four weeks as Britons gear up to cheer England and Scotland at the European football championship, CEO Simon Emeny told Reuters on Thursday.

The Euros will kick off on June 14 and pubs across the UK are prepping for matches as Britons are expected to throng the establishments and cheer for England to lift the cup for the first time.

"People like to have tables, they like to have a meal, they like to pre-order drinks, and therefore we are seeing a big increase in bookings," Emeny said, without elaborating.

"But clearly it's very dependent on England performing well."

Fullers, among the top pub groups in the UK, has bought new televisions, especially for its garden pubs, as fans prefer watching the games outdoors, Emeny said.

The company, which operates premium pubs across the UK, is expecting its city centre and suburban pubs to bustle more than its rural establishments, he added.

Scotland will play the first game against Germany, the hosts and three-time winners, on Friday.

The British government will extend pub timings until 1 am for the semi-finals or final, if England or Scotland qualify.

(Reporting by Radhika Anilkumar in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonia Cheema)