Pubs and bars across England and Wales have been granted permission to remain open for 30 minutes after the final whistle of the World Cup quarter-final between England and Norway, even if the match is delayed by weather. The Government has agreed to extend licensing hours to accommodate any postponements caused by thunderstorms predicted in Miami, where the match is being played.
Match Details and Potential Delays
The match, scheduled to kick off at 10pm BST, could be pushed back due to severe weather forecasts. According to Accuweather, temperatures are expected to reach 33°C an hour before kick-off, with a 'Real Feel' exceeding 40°C, and a 50% probability of rainfall. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requires matches to be suspended if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium. For play to resume, no lightning strikes must occur within that radius for 30 minutes, after which a 15-minute warm-up is needed.
This is not the first time the Government has issued a last-minute ruling on pub hours for the World Cup. Earlier, establishments were allowed to stay open until 5am for England's round of 16 victory over Mexico, which was delayed by an hour due to lightning at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Impact on Fans and Pubs
The extension offers pubs and bars screening the football flexibility. Even if the match goes into extra time or a penalty shootout, fans can watch every moment at their local. The 10pm kick-off could be pushed considerably later if adverse weather strikes. Whichever side wins will face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-final, with that match starting at 2am BST.
FIFA has stated that its emergency preparedness team meets regularly with meteorological and emergency management authorities in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Stadiums are required to maintain robust risk management and evacuation procedures, including lightning and severe weather protocols.
