Pubs across England and Wales will be permitted to extend their operating hours until 5 a.m. on Monday to accommodate a crucial World Cup match. This decision follows a late reversal by the Prime Minister after initial government resistance to relaxing licensing laws.
The England team is set to play Mexico in a last-16 match with a kickoff time of 1 a.m. UK time. Ministers had initially declined to amend licensing laws, but following a U-turn, pubs will now be able to stay open past the final whistle of the game.
The Home Office will enact an emergency change to licensing laws on Monday morning. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister stated that the decision ensures "fans don't have to" leave pubs and supports the venues that "bring our communities together."
The Home Office had previously relaxed licensing laws for the World Cup due to unpredictable kickoff times, but had not accounted for fixtures beginning as late as 1 a.m. Individual pubs were required to apply for Temporary Event Notices, with many missing deadlines after England's previous victory. The Home Office had reportedly resisted calls to alter licensing hours due to concerns about the strain on police forces.
Despite initial hesitations, the Prime Minister pushed for the change. A government source acknowledged that the decision was made late in the process, making rapid implementation challenging. The Home Office's eventual concession came amid accusations of being the "fun police."
Concerns remain about whether law enforcement agencies can adequately prepare for the extended hours on such short notice, with one source indicating limited engagement with police forces prior to the last-minute change.
Political pressure for the extended hours came from various parties, including Labour backbenchers and Reform UK. One MP called the initial confusion "ridiculous" and urged the government to "get behind England." Another Conservative MP described the announcement as the "least" the government could do for pubs after periods of financial difficulty.
In anticipation of fans staying up late for the match, the government has advised adult fans to take a "disco nap" on Sunday to manage their return to work on Monday. The Prime Minister's office noted that the Prime Minister himself faces the same dilemma regarding staying up for the game.
Industry leaders expressed gratitude for the swift government response. The chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association stated that the tournament is "hugely important for our sector" and that the government "listened to our concerns and acted so quickly." The chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association welcomed the "pragmatic approach" that allows venues to focus on community support during the match.
Businesses are anticipating a potential increase in absenteeism on Monday morning due to the late finish of the match, with the AA urging drivers to consider safety when commuting after minimal sleep.