Pubs across England may have to close their doors during the national team's 1 AM World Cup match against Mexico, as local councils are reportedly denying requests for extended licensing hours. The last-16 game is scheduled to kick off at 1 AM UK time on Monday, with the possibility of extending until 4 AM if the match goes into extra time and penalties.
While the Home Office had previously relaxed licensing laws for England's earlier knockout games, allowing pubs to serve beyond usual hours for matches with 5 PM to 9 PM kick-offs, these provisions do not cover games starting at 1 AM. Consequently, individual pubs must apply to their local councils for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) to extend their operating hours. Officials have the discretion to reject these applications, citing concerns over noise and disruption to local residents.
This situation has led to what some are calling a 'Mexican standoff' between pubs and councils. Pub landlords have expressed frustration, with some reporting that their TEN applications have been rejected. Adam Cook, operations manager at The Wharf Tavern in Solihull, stated that his pub, like others in the area, had licenses refused. He highlighted the financial impact, noting that such games previously quadrupled sales and that pubs rely on this income to sustain them throughout the year amidst rising costs.
Council officials have provided reasons for these rejections, with Solihull Council explaining that one application was submitted outside the required working days for processing. Warwick District Council cited similar reasons, stating that it could not legally consider a TEN submitted outside the statutory notice period. For TENs, applications typically need to be made at least ten working days in advance, although late TENs can be processed between five and nine days before the event.
Sources within the Home Office have indicated that a national shift in overall licensing hours for this specific match is unlikely. Some pubs may also be hesitant to apply for extended hours due to the cost of staffing an all-night operation, unless they anticipate a full house.
In light of these licensing challenges, nightclubs, many of which have licenses to serve alcohol until 5 AM, are being presented as a potential alternative for fans wishing to watch the game. Employers, meanwhile, are anticipating a rise in absenteeism on Monday morning, with workers potentially taking 'sickies' due to the late finish.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has encouraged parents to prioritize watching the match, suggesting they write excuses for their children to miss school. He emphasized the rarity of the World Cup, stating it occurs only every four years.
For fans planning to attend the match in person at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, ticket prices on resale platforms range from $4,082 to over $35,000 for official tickets, and up to £97,164 on unofficial resale sites. Flights from London to Mexico City for the weekend of the match are also costly, with the cheapest return flight found costing £3,041.
Despite the licensing hurdles, some larger venues, such as Boxpark locations in Croydon, Wembley, Liverpool, Camden, and Shoreditch, have successfully obtained TENs. The British Beer and Pub Association has stated it is in close contact with the government regarding the concerns of publicans unable to secure the necessary licenses, emphasizing the importance of local pubs being able to host such significant matches for fans and the community.