Pubs across England are racing to secure permission to open for the national team's last 16 World Cup clash against Mexico, after the government failed to provide blanket authorisation for the 1am kick-off on Monday. Any pub wishing to serve alcohol beyond standard hours must obtain a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) from its local authority.
England's Victory and Boost to Pub Trade
Last evening, England overcame the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1, thanks to two late strikes from captain Harry Kane. The World Cup has provided a welcome boost to the hospitality sector, with UK pubs serving an estimated 6.8 million additional pints of draught beer and cider during the group stage alone. England's fixtures accounted for 5.5 million of those pints, while Scotland's group-stage campaign contributed a further 1.3 million.
Licensing Restrictions and Temporary Event Notices
Throughout the tournament, the Home Office issued a national licensing hours relaxation covering fixtures at more traditional kick-off times. According to Caterer Licensee, pubs in England and Wales can remain open until 1am for games commencing between 5pm and 9pm, and until 2am for those beginning between 9pm and 10pm. However, this allowance does not apply to matches kicking off after 10pm, meaning the England vs Mexico game falls outside the automatic extension.
Consequently, individual pubs wanting to stay open must apply for a TEN from their local authority, which could allow them to trade until 3.30am if the match goes into extra time and penalties. Communities Secretary Steve Reed has written to councils encouraging them to approve such applications wherever feasible, but the final decision rests with each licensing authority. Publicans have been cautioned that approval is not guaranteed.
One operator reportedly had a TEN application rejected due to failing to meet the required five working days' notice before the event. Councils cannot waive this statutory timeframe, even if the request is otherwise supported. Venues without a TEN already in place are advised to contact their local licensing team urgently if they plan to serve alcohol beyond standard hours for the match.
Calls for a Bank Holiday
Pressure is mounting on the government to grant England fans a bank holiday on Monday, as the Mexico match kicks off at 1am. Fans have been inundating outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with requests. However, officials have stated there are currently no plans for an additional bank holiday, asserting that 'the current pattern of bank and public holidays is well established'. This follows Scotland's decision to grant fans Monday, June 15 off after their match against Haiti in Boston, which had a 2am kick-off time.
Employer Flexibility and Fan Reactions
A survey by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) of 1,100 managers found that only one in five employers plan to offer flexible working hours, such as adjusted start or finish times, to accommodate staff wanting to watch World Cup matches. A small number of firms are offering extended breaks, workplace screenings or additional leave options.
Petra Wilton, director of policy at the CMI, commented: "We're not saying every England win deserves a bank holiday, but if millions of people have stayed up until 3am supporting their team, asking employers to let them start a little later the next morning is simply common sense. We're saying to employers across the country: 'let them start late'." She added: "The World Cup is a reminder of why flexible working matters. Great managers recognise that people have lives outside work, and when they offer sensible flexibility, whether that's around caring responsibilities, medical appointments or even the occasional late-night sporting event, organisations benefit too through higher engagement, improved wellbeing, stronger retention and, ultimately, better performance."
On X, fans demanded a bank holiday. JT stated: "Got to pressure those in number 10 for a Bank Holiday Monday for that England vs Mexico game. Or as a nation we call in sick." David queried: "Why are we not getting a Bank Holiday for the #England game? Scotland were granted one for their early morning games. Are we being made mugs of?" Formula suggested: "Surely it's gotta be a bank holiday on Monday, England are playing in a World Cup round of 16 game against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in a match that starts at 1am UK time, everybody should be able to watch it so let the nation have a break the next day."
England manager Thomas Tuchel humorously advised parents after the win over DR Congo: "Write an excuse for school and let them watch the game."
