The government has ruled out extending pub hours for the upcoming World Cup match between England and Mexico, scheduled for 1am UK time on Monday. Despite initial considerations, officials confirmed that licensing laws will not be relaxed further to accommodate the match's late start, according to Business Minister Kate Dearden.
Licensing Laws and Match Timing
Earlier this year, the government had already relaxed licensing laws for the World Cup, allowing pubs to operate later for England and Scotland matches. However, Dearden reiterated in the House of Commons that the current rules would remain in effect for the late-night match in Mexico City, which could extend past 3am if penalties or extra time are involved.
Local councils have been encouraged to support pubs by allowing temporary extensions for their opening hours. Dearden noted, "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." Yet, the timing of the match makes it impractical for pubs to apply for these extensions.
Pub Industry Concerns
Many pubs have expressed disappointment over the decision, as they feel it limits their ability to maximize profits during a significant event. Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson highlighted the potential financial impact, stating, "Pubs will miss out on a real opportunity to get money in the till if ministers do not make a blanket extension for licensing hours." This sentiment is echoed by the British Beer and Pub Association, which is in close contact with the government regarding the needs of local establishments.
- Licensing hours extended from 11pm to 1am for matches starting between 5pm and 9pm.
- Pubs can remain open until 2am for matches starting after 9pm.
- Temporary Event Notices (TENs) must be submitted five working days in advance for late openings.
Support from Local Authorities
Despite the setback, Local Government Secretary Steve Reed has urged councils to approve TEN applications to help pubs accommodate fans. In a video on X, Reed stated, "There are still some councils that are saying no to the pubs, and my message to those councils is please say yes." This push aims to ensure that local pubs can host fans during the critical match.
Furthermore, the Mayor of London is advocating for late openings in the capital, emphasizing the importance of supporting local pubs during the World Cup.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC Business. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
