Local councils in England will decide whether pubs can stay open later for the upcoming World Cup Round of 16 match between England and Mexico, which kicks off at 1am on Monday. Local Government Secretary Steve Reed has urged councils to approve extensions so fans can watch the entire game.
Match Details and Licensing Challenges
England secured their spot in the Round of 16 by defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 on Wednesday. Monday's match against Mexico falls outside the previously established measures that allowed pubs to extend hours until 2am for earlier England games. The Liberal Democrats had called for a blanket extension of licensing hours, but Downing Street confirmed that such decisions rest with local authorities.
A Downing Street spokeswoman stated: "The Secretary of State for Housing and Communities has written to councils to encourage them to sign off applications for pubs to extend their hours even further for these late games so that fans can enjoy the football."
Reed's Appeal and Temporary Event Notices
In a video posted on X, Reed said: "There are still some councils that are saying no to the pubs, and my message to those councils is please say yes, do everything you can to get those doors open and the fans inside and I will back you all the way." Pubs require a temporary event notice (TEN) to show the match, as earlier licensing extensions only applied to matches kicking off between 9pm and 10pm.
Dudley Council reported approving 40 TENs for Monday's match, but noted that any applications submitted on Thursday would be rejected because "legislation does not give sufficient time now for a temporary event notice to be issued." Similarly, Medway Council granted 14 notices but stated there is not enough time for new submissions. Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council approved 16 notices made correctly in accordance with legislation.
Council Responses and Industry Concerns
Reading Borough Council approved 13 notices, and Southampton City Council approved 18. A Dudley Council spokesperson explained: "Six were not issued after West Midlands Police issued Counter Notices following concerns that the premises would not be able to uphold the Prevention of Crime & Disorder licensing objective." The spokesperson added that many inquiries came in too late for processing.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London urged local authorities to work with the hospitality industry to allow pubs to stay open into the early hours, so Londoners can support their pubs and cheer on England.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, expressed industry concerns: "We remain in close contact with Government about concerns raised by publicans who want to show the match but haven’t got Temporary Event Notices in place. It would be a crying shame for fans and pubs if our locals weren’t able to host such an important match."
Political Reactions and Manager's Call
Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson, who called for a blanket extension, said refusing would be "the worst decision since the introduction of hydration breaks." He told the Commons: "Harry Kane’s heroics last night means that many England fans are looking forward to an early morning or a late night... But pubs risk missing out on a real opportunity to get more money into the till if ministers do not make a blanket extension for licensing hours."
England manager Thomas Tuchel has called for children to stay up late and watch the match. When asked if the Prime Minister backed this, Downing Street said "parents will make their own decision on that" and added: "We want everyone to enjoy the game but kids should be in school on Monday." Sir Keir Starmer's spokeswoman noted that the PM faces the same dilemma as other fans over whether to stay up, given his packed Monday schedule.
Skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith said she plans to take a "disco nap" on Sunday afternoon and then stay up to watch the match.
