The UK Government has rejected calls for a blanket extension to pub licensing hours to allow England fans to watch the Three Lions' last-16 World Cup match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am on Monday. The decision was announced during business and trade questions in the House of Commons on Thursday.
Government's Stance on Licensing Hours
Business minister Kate Dearden confirmed that the existing licensing extension—which allows pubs to stay open until 2am for England knockout matches with kick-offs between 9pm and 10pm—does not apply to the 1am start. She stated, "Regarding Sunday, unfortunately that doesn't apply with the 1am start, but going forwards we're absolutely backing our pubs, so people can watch and support our lads, and it's coming home hopefully."
Liberal Democrat MP's Plea
Liberal Democrat MP for Cheltenham, Max Wilkinson, had called for a blanket extension during the parliamentary session. He said, "Harry Kane's heroics last night means that many England fans are looking forward to an early morning or a late night, depending on one's perspective, on Monday, and this is a good thing. 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." He urged ministers to coordinate with other departments to allow fans to enjoy the game in pubs.
Existing Rules for Knockout Matches
Under current rules, pubs can stay open until 1am for England knockout matches that kick off between 5pm and 9pm, and until 2am for kick-offs between 9pm and 10pm. However, the 1am kick-off for the Mexico match falls outside these windows. Earlier this month, the Government indicated it would allow pubs to stay open until 2am for home nations' knockout stage matches, but this was contingent on local councils approving temporary event notices. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said ministers were asking councils to apply a "common sense" approach during knockout matches, balancing noise concerns with community enjoyment.
Local Government Association Response
A spokesperson for the Local Government Association, which represents councils across England, said: "Councils support communities coming together to enjoy the World Cup and will be working with pubs and residents to make licensing decisions based on local conditions and community needs." This means individual pubs may still apply for temporary event notices to extend hours, but there is no blanket extension.
Fan Reactions and Context
England advanced to the last 16 after a 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday, with Harry Kane scoring both goals. Fans celebrated in locations such as Times Square in Newcastle, as captured by ChronicleLive. The match against Mexico is scheduled for Monday morning, leaving fans with limited options for watching in pubs unless specific establishments secure late licenses.
