The UK Government has rejected calls for a blanket extension to licensing hours to allow pubs to stay open for England's Round of 16 World Cup match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am on Monday.
England secured their place in the knockout stage after defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday. The match against Mexico will take place in Mexico City at 1am local time.
Government's Position on Licensing Hours
While the Government passed measures allowing pubs to remain open until 2am for England matches in the knockout stages that kick off between 9pm and 10pm, this does not apply to Monday's early-morning fixture.
Liberal Democrat MP for Cheltenham, Max Wilkinson, called for a blanket extension during business and trade questions in the House of Commons on Thursday. He argued that pubs risk missing out on a real opportunity to boost revenue if ministers do not act.
MP's Appeal for Extension
Wilkinson 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. Will ministers consider that with their colleagues in other departments, so fans can enjoy the game in the pub?"
Minister's Response
Business minister Kate Dearden paid tribute to Harry Kane's performance, saying: "He absolutely calmed my blood pressure, and (I) will be championing the boys." However, she clarified that the existing extension does not apply to the 1am start. She noted: "He will know that pubs can stay open for an extra two or three hours, depending on how late the match starts, so that pubs can still open as the game finishes. Regarding the match, 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."
