Pubs across England and Wales will remain open until 5am on Monday for the England vs Mexico World Cup match, following an intervention by Keir Starmer. The government's decision allows fans to support their team during the crucial 1am kickoff, which is expected to last until at least 3am.
Licensing Hours Extended for Significant Matches
The home secretary will utilize legislative powers to extend alcohol licensing hours on occasions deemed of “exceptional international, national or local significance.” This change comes after a backlash against previous restrictions that limited pub hours for late-night matches.
Starmer stated, “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.”
Government's Response to Backlash
This decision follows criticism from various MPs, including Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, who urged local authorities to collaborate with the hospitality sector. The change aims to support local pubs and ensure fans can cheer for their team in a communal setting rather than being left outside.
Earlier, business minister Kate Dearden had indicated that the government would not relax the rules in time for the match, leading to further dissatisfaction among pub owners and fans alike.
Hospitality Sector Welcomes the Decision
The hospitality industry has expressed gratitude for the government's swift action. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, remarked, “Pubs and fans will be over the moon about this decision... Now we can carry on being the home of live sport and welcoming fans through the door.”
Furthermore, Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, emphasized the overwhelming public support for England and the challenges faced by pubs and licensed premises across the country.
- Pubs can stay open until 5am for the England vs Mexico match
- Kickoff is at 1am UK time, lasting until at least 3am
- Starmer's intervention follows backlash from MPs and pub owners
- Licensing hours extended for matches of exceptional significance
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Guardian Football. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
