January 2023 marked a major transition for Lancashire County Pool Association: a new county venue at Q8 Sports Bar & Grill in Wigan and the adoption of International 8-Ball Rules for EPA competition.
Q8 becomes Lancashire’s county venue
Q8 Sports Bar & Grill was selected as Lancashire County Pool’s home venue for the 2023–2025 hosting period. The announcement highlighted the venue created by host Carly DeFreitas and the opportunity to provide a consistent base for county matches, trials and associated events.
The county programme at the time included Open A and B teams, Seniors, Ladies A and B, Under-23s and Juniors.
International Rules replace World Rules
The same season also marked Lancashire’s move to International 8-Ball Rules for EPA competition from Interleague level upwards. This followed the English Pool Association’s national decision to adopt International Rules from the start of 2023.
That change created a clear historical dividing line. Earlier LancashirePool reports frequently refer to World Rules; from 2023 the county and EPA competition pathway moved onto International Rules.
Read the full historical decision in EPA Adopts International 8-Ball Rules from 2023, or use the current International 8-Ball Rules reference.
The next venue chapter
The Q8 period is now part of the county’s venue history. From 2026 Lancashire County Pool moved to KC’s Pool and Sports Bar for the 2026–2028 hosting period. See KC’s announced as the new home of Lancashire County Pool.
Explore the wider Lancashire Intercounty archive.
Historical transition record: originally published 4 January 2023.