Pubs across Tyneside are expected to be packed into the early hours of Monday morning after the Government relaxed licensing rules, allowing venues to open until 5am for England's World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico. The match, which kicks off at 1am UK time in Mexico City, has prompted a nationwide extension of alcohol licensing hours, confirmed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday.
Hospitality Sector Welcomes Boost
Lee Miles, who runs the Tynesider pub on Gateshead High Street, said ministers had made the right decision to help a struggling hospitality sector. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "It is huge for us, every game has been huge. The pub is losing money every week, so these big days and big nights are a huge help. We are just a small pub, so it is not like we will have 100 people in – it will be the usual suspects. But I'm sure it will be full, like it has been for every game so far, and the atmosphere will be great."
The Government had previously announced that pubs could stay open until 1am for England knockout ties kicking off between 5pm and 9pm UK time, and until 2am for those between 9pm and 10pm. For later kick-offs like the Mexico game, venues previously needed a Temporary Event Notice (TEN). That requirement has now been removed.
Licensing Extension Sparks Mixed Reactions
In Newcastle, many popular city centre pubs had already secured TENs to open later, including the Old George, the Centurion, the Crows Nest, and the Junction. Former Newcastle City Council leader Nick Kemp, now head of hospitality association The Core, said ministers should have acted sooner to avoid unnecessary costs. He stated: "We recognise the intent behind a one-off 5am licence extension for England's 1am World Cup kick-off, and many businesses will make the most of it. But it underlines a wider issue: central government still doesn't grasp the operational reality of hospitality. Clear guidance should have been issued during the group stages to avoid operators incurring legal and administrative costs working out licensing hours."
Not all pubs are showing the match; only five of the 800 Wetherspoon pubs nationwide, including the Bishops Mill in Durham and Sunderland's Cooper Rose, will screen the game.
Police and Transport Concerns
The National Police Chiefs' Council criticised the timing of the Government's decision, calling it a "late announcement" that forced forces to adapt plans and divert officers from communities. Concerns have also been raised about drinkers getting home safely given the lack of public transport options at full time. Tyne and Wear Metro operator Nexus confirmed it had no plans for special services, urging punters to plan their journeys ahead. Council bosses said they have worked with taxi firms to ensure sufficient vehicle supply through the night and made similar provisions with security firms providing door staff.
City Centre Preparations
Newcastle city centre business improvement district company NE1 Ltd said the night would be a challenge but a "huge boost" for pubs. Its director of communications, Ben Whitfield, added: "We've seen good attendance in the venues showing the games so far in the tournament and although this one might be more of a challenge, given the kick off time, we know the people of the North East are up to it. The PM's announcement of the extension to 5am has encouraged even more venues to get on board to open. It's given a huge boost for the sector which is facing such tough economic challenges, the more opportunities they get to bring people in, the better."
Coun Owen Burbidge, Newcastle City Council's cabinet member for inclusive economy and skills, confirmed that community safety and licensing staff would be out in the city centre on Sunday night. He said: "With the blanket extension of hours we are reminding all venues of the importance of complying with their licence conditions, including having appropriate safety measures and staffing in place, and ask that they confirm their intention to take advantage of the relaxation. The council will have community safety and licensing teams out and about both in the run-up to Sunday and on the day, to support businesses and those who want to enjoy the warm, safe welcome our city offers. And of course everyone can help us to keep themselves and others safe – and avoid falling asleep before the final whistle - by socialising sensibly, not drinking too much and looking out for friends, family and those around them. Let's hope the team gives us plenty to celebrate. Come on England!"
