Pubs in England and Wales to extend hours during World Cup knockout matches
Football fans across England and Wales have something to celebrate after ministers gave the green light for pubs to stay open late during every knockout stage of this summer’s World Cup, reports BritPanorama.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has agreed to relax licensing laws for all home nation matches beyond the group stages at the tournament in the US, Mexico, and Canada. This represents a significant shift from her original position, which would have only allowed extended hours if teams progressed past the quarter-finals.
Pub industry leaders have expressed their approval of the announcement. Emma McClarkin, who heads the British Beer and Pub Association, described the decision as “a win for pubs, jobs and community spirit.” The move means that pubs will not need to call last orders before the final whistle.
Under the temporary easing of restrictions, pubs throughout England and Wales can stay open until 1 AM for knockout fixtures. When matches kick off at 10 PM, the closing time extends to 2 AM. Landlords will benefit from a blanket relaxation of rules, allowing them to operate late without needing to apply for special permissions.
Fans wishing to watch games starting in the early hours can gather at venues already holding late licences, while any pub can apply for a Temporary Event Notice to extend their hours for additional matches. Notably, this also applies to England’s support for Scotland fixtures should they advance beyond the group stages for the first time.
Wales and Northern Ireland still have chances to qualify through next month’s play-offs. England, led by captain Harry Kane, will face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in Group L when the tournament commences.
In delivering the policy, Mahmood displayed a readiness for football-themed wordplay, stating, “With later kick-offs at this year’s World Cup, we don’t want pubs to blow the final whistle before the winning goal,” reinforcing the government’s support for the pub trade as many venues continue to grapple with rising operational costs amid challenging economic conditions. Alongside her, Chancellor Rachel Reeves aims to stimulate economic growth, and maintaining vibrant pub environments during significant sporting events aligns with that objective.
The preparations represent a boon for local establishments as they gear up to cater to enthusiastic fans, particularly in the backdrop of a tournament poised to attract a global audience.
As the World Cup unfolds, the late-night atmosphere in pubs may become as integral to the experience as the matches themselves, showcasing the interwoven fabric of sport and community in British culture.
