The UK government has announced it will not extend pub opening hours to accommodate the England versus Mexico World Cup match scheduled for a 1 a.m. kick-off on Sunday. Business Minister Kate Dearden confirmed in the House of Commons that current licensing laws, which allow for extended hours for later evening matches, do not apply to this early morning fixture.
Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson had urged the government to consider a blanket extension of licensing laws, arguing that pubs would miss a significant opportunity to increase revenue. "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," Wilkinson stated.
Dearden acknowledged that pubs can already extend their opening hours by two to three hours beyond the usual closing time for matches that begin later in the evening. However, she clarified that this flexibility does not extend to the 1 a.m. start time for the upcoming Sunday game. "Regarding Sunday, unfortunately that doesn't apply with the 1am start but going forwards we are absolutely backing our pubs so people can watch and support our lads, and it's coming home hopefully," she said.
Previous relaxations of licensing rules were implemented in April to allow fans to watch England and Scotland matches in pubs. These changes permitted extended hours from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. for games kicking off between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., and until 2 a.m. for kick-offs after 9 p.m. up to 10 p.m.
Pubs seeking to open later outside of these specific relaxations can apply to their local council for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN). However, these applications must be submitted at least five working days in advance, making it too late for pubs to apply for the Sunday match under the current circumstances.
Some establishments had anticipated England's progression in the tournament and had already secured TENs. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, expressed concern for publicans who wish to show the match but have not obtained the necessary event notices. "It would be a crying shame for fans and pubs if our locals weren't able to host such an important match," McClarkin commented.