The Cavalier pub in Northfield, Birmingham, has been barred from showing England World Cup fixtures after a patron was stabbed outside during the round of 16 match against Mexico. The incident occurred between 2am and 2.44am on Monday, July 6, 2026, as the pub was open and trading for the early kick-off.
Details of the Incident
West Midlands Police confirmed that both the victim and the assailant had been drinking in the establishment earlier. The victim, a male, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening wounds. No arrests have been made, and police stated that work is ongoing to identify the suspect.
Superintendent Karl Thomas, in a statement included in the licence review application, said: "On Monday, July 6, 2026 the venue was open and trading. Between 0200 and 0244 hours an incident occurred whereby a person was stabbed outside the premises by another person both of whom had been in the premises."
Licence Review and Conditions
Birmingham City Council's licensing sub-committee B, chaired by Councillor Adam Higgs, conducted an expedited interim review of the premises licence, held by Admiral Taverns Limited, on Tuesday, July 7. Police described the crime as a serious wounding offence potentially carrying a life sentence. The report noted that the venue was aware of the incident but did not inform police.
West Midlands Police requested the licence be suspended and the designated premises supervisor (DPS), June Taylor, be removed. They also demanded door staff be deployed primarily for customer searches. However, Rebecca Farley, licensing manager for Admiral Taverns, proposed interim measures to keep the pub open, including a time restriction for door staff from 6pm daily. Police agreed to these proposals, withdrawing the demand for Taylor's removal if the conditions were implemented.
Banned from Showing England Games
Councillor Higgs confirmed the licence was suspended pending a full review. However, the pub may reopen if it meets the additional conditions to police satisfaction. These conditions include: implementing door staff from 6pm daily, conducting customer searches, and ensuring staff are trained to prevent crime. The pub is also banned from broadcasting any England World Cup game, including the quarter-final against Norway on Saturday at 10pm, and cannot participate in extended licensing hours for World Cup matches.
