Pubs across Wales will be allowed to stay open until 5am for England's World Cup last-16 clash with Mexico after Sir Keir Starmer confirmed an extension to licensing hours. The move applies to England and Wales and comes after MPs called for pubs to be allowed to remain open beyond the previously agreed 2am extension for England matches during the tournament.
Match Details and Timing
England booked their place in the last 16 with a 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday and will face Mexico in a match that kicks off at 1am BST on Monday. The game is expected to finish after the previous extended closing time. While Wales are not at the tournament after failing to qualify, many English people and fans live in Wales, while many Welsh spectators are enjoying watching a variety of big matches at the tournament.
Government Support for Extended Hours
The Prime Minister said: "Football might be coming home but we're making sure fans don't have to. Pubs staying open till the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together. The whole country will be backing the team. Come on England!" The blanket extension means individual pubs across England and Wales will not need to apply for permission to stay open later.
Implementation and Local Authority Role
Communities Secretary Steve Reed has written to council leaders informing them of the changes. Before the announcement, he had urged councils to approve extended opening hours so fans could watch the entire match, saying there were "still some councils that are saying no to the pubs".
Industry Reaction
The decision was welcomed by the hospitality industry. Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), said: "This pragmatic approach allows venues to focus on what matters most – bringing communities together to support the national team. Major sporting occasions like this deliver a significant boost to hospitality businesses while creating an atmosphere that unites the country. As England heads into one of the biggest games of the tournament, let's get behind the team, support our local venues, and give the country something positive to celebrate. We hope this weekend marks not only a memorable occasion for England on the pitch, but also a much-needed boost for our hospitality sector and the communities it serves."
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: "Pubs and fans will be over the moon about this decision, because we all know the best place to watch the match is down the local. This tournament is hugely important for our sector, so we're delighted the Government listened to our concerns and acted so quickly. Now we can carry on being the home of live sport and welcoming fans through the door."
