Pubs in England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 5 a.m. on Monday to broadcast England's World Cup round of 16 match against Mexico. The extension was announced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The match kicks off at 1 a.m. UK time and could potentially run until 4 a.m. if it requires extra time and penalties. Current licensing laws permit pubs to remain open only until 2 a.m.
"Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to," Starmer said. "Pubs staying open till the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together."
The blanket extension means individual establishments do not need to apply for special permission. The new hours do not apply to pubs in Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Industry representatives welcomed the decision. Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, called it a "pragmatic approach" that allows venues to support the national team and boost hospitality businesses. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, stated that pubs and fans would be "over the moon."
Separately, the government indicated that schoolchildren would be permitted to watch the early-morning match and still attend classes the following day. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said that children can be in school the next day, despite the late-night game.