Pubs across England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 5am on Monday for England's World Cup last-16 match against Mexico, following a direct intervention by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The match kicks off at 1am UK time and is expected to run until at least 3am.
The government initially declined to relax licensing hours for the early-morning fixture, with business minister Kate Dearden stating on Thursday morning that the rules would not be changed for pubs that had not applied for a temporary event notice five working days in advance. However, after a fierce backlash from MPs, pub owners, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Starmer reversed the decision later that day.
Home Secretary will use legislative powers to extend alcohol licensing hours on grounds of "exceptional international, national or local significance." Communities Secretary Steve Reed is writing to council leaders to inform them of the changes. Existing relaxed rules allowed pubs to stay open until 2am for matches kicking off after 9pm, but this did not cover the 1am start.
Prime Minister Starmer said: "Football might be coming home but we're making sure fans don't have to. Pubs staying open till the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together. The whole country will be backing the team. Come on England!"
The hospitality sector welcomed the U-turn. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: "Pubs and fans will be over the moon about this decision... Now we can carry on being the home of live sport." Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, added: "The government has listened to the overwhelming public support for England."
