Pubs given additional time to maintain serving followers throughout the World Cup – what we all know

Need to know

The Government has extended late opening hours even further so bars will be able to open longer for three more vital games that take place in a different time zone across the pond

What you need to know as pubs score extra time for World Cup

• Pubs across England and Wales have been granted ‘Fergie time’ extended opening hours during the World Cup, allowing fans to watch matches until the early hours.
• The Government has expanded licensing hours even further, meaning bars can now stay open longer for three additional vital games. A total of 13 matches will potentially be included in the national pub licensing extension. Pubs can stay open an extra two hours until 1am for games kicking off between 5pm and 9pm. Later kick-offs from 9pm to 10pm will push last orders back to 2am.
• The move marks the first time in a decade that pubs will be allowed to stay open late for World Cup knockout stages. It removes the need for individual venues to apply for licensing extensions, helping the hospitality sector maximise revenue during big match nights.
• The extension could also apply to future events like Eurovision, Royal Weddings and next summer’s Women’s FIFA World Cup. Emma McClarkin from the British Beer and Pub Association called it “a really positive step in helping the sector”.
• The ‘Fergie Time’ nickname references the extra time Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson famously squeezed from referees by tapping his watch on the touchline.
• READ THE FULL STORY: Pubs given ‘Fergie time’ to open up even later during the World Cup