Pubs to remain open until 5am for World Cup match
Pubs in England are set to remain open until 5am for the last 16 World Cup match against Mexico, following the introduction of emergency legislation by Sir Keir Starmer, reports BritPanorama.
The knockout fixture at the Azteca Stadium is scheduled to kick off at 1am on Monday, presenting a challenge for publicans eager to accommodate fans during the late-night event.
The announcement from the outgoing Prime Minister has been broadly welcomed by supporters looking forward to watching the match in the early hours. However, many establishments without a Temporary Event Notice are currently barred from opening past regular hours.
Earlier this week, the deadline for applying for these special permits closed, leaving some pubs unprepared for the late-night crowd. A business minister confirmed today that any establishments lacking this permit would not be permitted to serve customers during the match.
Sir Keir Starmer, known for his affinity for football, is currently evaluating options to permit additional late openings for this specific occasion. In contrast, Reform’s Robert Jenrick condemned the situation as “ridiculous,” advocating for immediate action. “Just issue a decree that any pub in the land can stay open late on Monday,” he stated.
Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson raised concerns in the House of Commons, urging that fans should not miss the opportunity to support their team in pubs. He implored the government for a blanket relaxation of licensing hours, warning of potential revenue losses for establishments unable to cater to late-night patrons.
Community Secretary Steve Reed has encouraged local authorities to discontinue their blocking of Temporary Event Notice applications, especially as some councils have converted requests over noise concerns. Reed expressed support for opening doors for World Cup matches, asserting, “There’s nothing like watching the World Cup in your local; let’s make it happen.”
As the spotlight turns towards the match on Monday, the unfolding dynamic between celebratory communal spirit and regulatory hurdles paints a vivid picture that resonates deeply within British sporting culture.
