Sir Keir Starmer has announced that pubs in England will be allowed to stay open until 1am for the World Cup quarter-final match between England and Mexico, enabling fans to watch the game without being restricted by normal licensing hours. The Prime Minister confirmed the move on Thursday, saying it would allow people to come together and enjoy the match.
Pubs to Extend Hours for Quarter-Final
The match, scheduled to kick off at 8pm, could run into extra time and penalties, potentially finishing after 11pm. Under normal licensing laws, pubs would have to close by 11pm, but the government has granted a temporary extension to 1am for the night of the game. Starmer said the decision was made to support hospitality businesses and fans alike.
“We want people to be able to enjoy the match with friends and family in their local pub,” Starmer said. “This is a great opportunity for communities to come together and celebrate the England team.” The extension applies to pubs in England only, as licensing is a devolved matter in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Hospitality Industry Welcomes Move
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) welcomed the announcement, saying it would provide a significant boost to pubs. “This is exactly the kind of support the sector needs,” said Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA. “It will allow pubs to serve fans late into the night and help them recover some of the losses they have faced in recent years.”
However, some publicans expressed concerns about staffing and additional costs. The extension is optional, meaning pubs can choose whether to stay open later. Local authorities have been urged to work with venues to ensure a smooth operation.
Previous Extensions for Major Sporting Events
The government has granted similar extensions for previous major sporting events, including the Euro 2020 final and the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The move is part of a broader effort to support the hospitality industry, which has faced challenges from rising costs and changing consumer habits.
England will face Mexico in the quarter-final on Saturday, July 11, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals. The match is expected to draw a large television audience, and pubs across the country are preparing for a busy night.
