Confusion surrounds whether the Government will extend pub licensing hours for England's upcoming FIFA World Cup game against Mexico on early Monday, after a minister ruled it out, only for reports to suggest the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is considering it.
Match Timing and Licensing Rules
Some MPs had been calling for pubs to be allowed to stay open later on Sunday as England's knockout game of the last 16 starts at 1am UK time at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca. Laws had already been relaxed so England and Scotland fans could enjoy games that are later than normal due to the time difference. Scotland failed to make it out of the group stages this year, with England now the only home nation still involved.
Currently, the rule changes have seen licensing hours pushed from 11pm to 1am the following day for games that start between 5pm and 9pm, and until 2am when kickoffs are between 9pm and 10pm. Pubs can also apply to their local authority for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) allowing them to stay open late, but these are subject to approval and must be submitted at least five days before, BBC News reports.
Minister Rules Out Extension
In the House of Commons today, Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson asked whether the Government were considering it, saying pubs would "miss out on a real opportunity to get money" if a blanket extension isn't put in place. Business Minister Kate Dearden appeared to rule it out, saying: "Pubs can stay open for an extra two to three hours depending on how late the match starts so pubs can still open as the game finishes. Regarding Sunday, unfortunately that doesn't apply with the 1am start but going forwards we are absolutely backing our pubs so people can watch and support our lads, and it's coming home hopefully."
Reports of PM Considering Changes
However, soon after, The Sun and BBC News were reporting that Sir Keir is urgently looking at ways to extend hours so more fans can pile into pubs to watch. It comes ahead of his exit from Number 10, after he announced on June 22 that he would resign as PM, following months of poor approval ratings, the surging popularity of Nigel Farage's Reform UK, and growing calls from within his party for former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to replace him. Mr Burnham is widely tipped to succeed Sir Keir as Prime Minister in the coming weeks after a commanding victory over Reform in the Makerfield by-election, securing his return to Parliament.
The Home Office has been approached for comment.
