Pubs across England and Wales will be permitted to extend their operating hours until 5 a.m. on Monday to accommodate England's World Cup last-16 match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1 a.m. UK time. This decision follows a late reversal by the Prime Minister after initial government resistance.
The Home Office will implement an emergency law change to facilitate the extended hours. Sir Keir Starmer, in a statement, expressed support for the decision, noting that it would allow fans to stay and watch the match without needing to leave before its conclusion. He added that extending pub hours is beneficial for both supporters and the venues that serve as community hubs.
Previously, the Home Office had relaxed licensing laws for the World Cup due to unpredictable kick-off times but had not made specific provisions for fixtures like the England-Mexico match. This left individual pubs needing to apply for Temporary Event Notices, with many missing deadlines following England's previous win. Concerns had been raised by the Home Office about the potential strain on police forces due to the late notice of the potential change.
Despite initial hesitations, political pressure from various parties, including Labour backbenchers and Reform UK's Robert Jenrick, contributed to the policy shift. The move is seen by some as an effort by the Prime Minister to secure a positive legacy before leaving office.
While the extended hours aim to support fans and the hospitality sector, questions remain about the feasibility of police preparations given the short notice. The British Beer and Pub Association and the Night Time Industries Association welcomed the decision, emphasizing its importance for the sector and community gatherings.
The government has advised adult fans to plan for a "disco nap" on Sunday to manage the impact of the early morning match on their workdays. The AA has cautioned fans to consider their travel safety after the match. Meanwhile, guidance from Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Sir Keir Starmer's spokesperson has emphasized that children should attend school as usual on Monday, counteracting suggestions from a football manager for parents to allow children to miss school to watch the game.