Pubs to extend hours during World Cup
Football fans across England have something to cheer about ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America. The Government has given the green light for pubs to keep serving drinks until the early hours during the tournament’s later stages, reports BritPanorama.
Treasury Minister Dan Tomlinson made the announcement, stating that opening hours would be extended to either 1am or 2am depending on when matches kick off. “I can also announce today that pubs and other licensed venues will be able to open until 1am or 2am depending on when the game starts for home nation games in the later stages of the men’s football World Cup,” he said.
The extended licensing hours correspond directly to match schedules, with some knockout fixtures potentially finishing as late as 2am UK time. Should England progress beyond the group stage, late night matches could occur, particularly those going to extra time during the round of 32 stage.
If the Three Lions finish second in their group, they would play at 11pm on July 2, while a third-place finish would lead to another 11pm kick-off on July 3. Thomas Tuchel’s squad will begin their campaign against Croatia on June 17, at 9pm, followed by a match against Ghana on June 23 and concluding the group stage against Panama at 10pm on June 27.
The three fixtures see familiar opponents, as England faced both Croatia and Panama at the 2018 World Cup. Winning the group could lead to a more favourable 5pm kick-off for the round of 32 on July 1. If they advance, a potential meeting with co-hosts Mexico in the last 16 would loom large.
However, for many England supporters hoping to travel to North America, the financial burden is considerable. With hotel rooms averaging £437 per night in host cities like Dallas, Boston, and New York and flight prices for direct returns to New York reaching £482 for the group stage period, this World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most expensive yet.
As costs have surged, Mexico City, a potential last 16 venue, has seen prices double as fans rush to secure accommodation.
