Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering extending pub opening hours for England's World Cup round-of-16 match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am UK time on Monday. The government had previously stated it would not relax licensing laws further for the tournament, but BBC News understands the PM is now contemplating the idea.
Government Reversal on Licensing Extension
In April, the government eased licensing regulations to allow England and Scotland fans to watch matches in pubs. However, earlier on Thursday, Business Minister Kate Dearden told the House of Commons that opening hours would not be extended further for the 1am start in Mexico City. The match at the Azteca Stadium might not conclude until 3am, or later if extra time and penalties are required.
Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson questioned Dearden about a blanket extension, stating: "Pubs will miss out on a real opportunity to get money in the till if ministers do not make a blanket extension for licensing hours."
Council Discretion and Temporary Event Notices
Dearden revealed that Local Government Secretary Steve Reed had written to councils urging them to approve late opening hours for pubs so fans can watch the match to its end. "Pubs can stay open for an extra two to three hours depending on how late the match starts so pubs can still open as the game finishes," she said. "Regarding Sunday, unfortunately that doesn't apply with the 1am start but going forwards we are absolutely backing our pubs so people can watch and support our lads, and it's coming home hopefully."
Licensing hours have been extended from 11pm to 1am for matches kicking off between 5pm and 9pm. For games starting after 9pm and up to 10pm, pubs are permitted to remain open until 2am. Beyond these regulations, pubs can submit a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) to their local council to request permission to stay open later, but this must be submitted at least five working days in advance, making it too late for pubs to apply on Thursday.
Industry and Council Responses
Some establishments had anticipated England's potential progress and have already applied for and received an event notice. In a video on X, Reed urged councils to approve applications from pubs. "There are still some councils that are saying no to the pubs, and my message to those councils is please say yes," he stated.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, commented: "We remain in close contact with government about concerns raised by publicans who want to show the match but haven't got TENs in place. It would be a crying shame for fans and pubs if our locals weren't able to host such an important match."
A spokesperson for the Local Government Association, which represents councils across England, said they would make decisions "based on local conditions and community needs." The Mayor of London is also urging councils to permit pubs in the capital to remain open, according to his spokesperson.
