Pubs across England will be permitted to stay open until 5am on Monday to broadcast the last-16 World Cup match between England and Mexico. The match, taking place at 1am BST at Estadio Azteca, is expected to conclude around 3am BST or later if extra time is required.
Pubs' Extended Hours for World Cup Match
The decision to extend closing hours was announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Thursday. Initially, pubs were only allowed to operate until 2am for matches starting late in the evening. The new regulations are meant to support local businesses and allow fans to enjoy the game in a communal setting.
Starmer expressed his enthusiasm in a social media video, stating, "We’re making sure that pubs can stay open early on Monday morning for the England game. I know lots of people are making their plans - if you’re planning to watch it in the pub, that is great, and it’s really good for pubs as well. So, come on England."
Previous Licensing Rules and Changes
Prior to this announcement, pubs could only remain open until 1am for matches starting between 5pm and 9pm BST, and until 2am for those kicking off after 9pm. The latest game for England in this tournament, which was a Group L finale against Panama, started at 10pm BST.
Before the new hours were confirmed, many pubs needing to stay open past 2am had to apply for a Temporary Events Notice with their local council, a process that requires submission at least five working days in advance. This meant that landlords hoping to extend their hours after England's match against DR Congo were already past the deadline.
Significance of the Match
The match against Mexico holds significant importance for England, who have reached the last 16 after a 2-1 victory over DR Congo. Mexico, on the other hand, has had a strong showing in the tournament, winning all four of their matches without conceding a goal.
If the game goes to extra time, it could extend well past 4am, making the extended hours particularly beneficial for fans. The government has the authority to modify licensing hours for occasions deemed of exceptional significance, which facilitated this extension.
- Match Date: Monday
- Kick-off Time: 1am BST
- Expected Finish: Around 3am BST or later
- Extended Pub Hours: Until 5am
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by FourFourTwo. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
