Starmer allows pubs to stay open until 5 a.m. for England's World Cup knockout tie against Mexico
Pubs across England and Wales will be permitted to stay open until 5 a.m. on Monday as the government relaxes licensing laws for England's World Cup last-16 match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1 a.m. UK time.
Late-night extension
Pubs and bars in England and Wales will be allowed to serve until 5 a.m. on Monday morning for the World Cup round-of-16 game against Mexico. The match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City kicks off at 1 a.m. UK time (2 a.m. CEST) and, with extra time and penalties, could run close to 4 a.m. Normal licensing hours require most venues to close at 11 p.m., and a March extension only allowed them to stay open until 2 a.m. for certain later-stage matches. The 1 a.m. start fell outside that window, prompting calls for a further relaxation.
The U-turn
Earlier on Thursday, Business Minister Kate Dearden told the House of Commons the government would not grant an additional extension. Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson had asked for a review, but Dearden replied that the existing 2 a.m. rule did not cover the 1 a.m. kick-off. Prime Minister Keir Starmer then reversed course within hours, confirming pubs could stay open. A statutory instrument is being laid in parliament under the home secretary's powers for occasions of "exceptional international, national or local significance".
Football might be coming home but we're making sure fans don't have to.
Political backdrop
Starmer's premiership ends on July 20, one day after the World Cup final in New Jersey. With his approval rating at 74 percent disapproval, the tournament offers a late, if symbolic, lift. Andy Burnham, expected to succeed him as Labour leader and prime minister, called speculation about a victory bank holiday "a bit premature" and said the team had "a bit of improvement to do before we can start seriously dreaming of it coming home".
- Deadline for pubs to submit temporary event notices under earlier 2 a.m. extension rules
- Government initially declines further extension; later the same day, Starmer announces 5 a.m. opening
- England vs Mexico kicks off at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Industry welcomes the move
The British Beer and Pub Association said the sector had already poured roughly 10 million extra pints from England and Scotland games, a £50 million boost. Chief executive Emma McClarkin called the decision one that pubs and fans would be "over the moon about". Michael Kill of the Night Time Industries Association described it as a pragmatic approach that delivers a significant boost to hospitality. Some operators, however, expressed frustration that the change came after they had already applied for temporary event notices.
Pubs and fans will be over the moon about this decision, because we all know the best place to watch the match is down the local.
Schools and fans
England's German head coach Thomas Tuchel encouraged parents to "write an excuse for school and let them watch football", noting the World Cup is every four years. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said children could watch the early-morning fixture and still attend class on Monday. The blanket licensing extension applies only in England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland are not covered.
