Winner for England followers as pubs could also be allowed to open for 1am World Cup Mexico conflict
It’s been reported that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is now considering extending pub hours for the England vs Mexico 1am kick-off in a major boost for football fans
It’s understood the Prime Minister is now contemplating the idea(Image: Getty Images)
Pubs may now be permitted to remain open until the conclusion of England’s World Cup match against Mexico, scheduled to kick off at 1am UK time on Monday.
The government had initially stated it would not further relax licensing laws for the World Cup, but BBC News understands that the Prime Minister is now contemplating it.
In April, the government eased licensing regulations allowing England and Scotland fans to watch matches in pubs. However, earlier on Thursday, Business Minister Kate Dearden informed the House of Commons that opening hours would not be extended further for the 1am start in Mexico City.
The round-of-16 match in the Azteca Stadium might not conclude until 3am – or potentially later if penalties and extra time are required.
Dearden was answering a question from Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson regarding a blanket extension.
Wilkinson stated in the House of Commons: “Pubs will miss out on a real opportunity to get money in the till if ministers do not make a blanket extension for licensing hours.”
Dearden revealed that Local Government Secretary Steve Reed had penned a letter to councils urging them to approve late opening hours for pubs so fans can watch the match to its end.
“Pubs can stay open for an extra two to three hours depending on how late the match starts so pubs can still open as the game finishes,” she said.
“Regarding Sunday, unfortunately that doesn’t apply with the 1am start but going forwards we are absolutely backing our pubs so people can watch and support our lads, and it’s coming home hopefully.”
Licensing hours have been extended from 11pm to 1am for matches kicking off between 5pm and 9pm. Furthermore, pubs are permitted to remain open until 2am for games starting after 9pm and up to 10pm.
Beyond these regulations, pubs can submit a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) to their local council to request permission to stay open later.
However, this must be submitted at least five working days in advance, making it too late for pubs to apply on Thursday.
Some establishments had anticipated England’s potential progress through the tournament and have already applied for and received an event notice.
In a video on X, Reed urged councils to approve applications from pubs. “There are still some councils that are saying no to the pubs, and my message to those councils is please say yes,” he stated.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, commented: “We remain in close contact with government about concerns raised by publicans who want to show the match but haven’t got TENs in place.
“It would be a crying shame for fans and pubs if our locals weren’t able to host such an important match.”
A spokesperson for the Local Government Association, which represents councils across England, said they would make decisions “based on local conditions and community needs”.
The Mayor of London is also urging councils to permit pubs in the capital to remain open, according to his spokesperson.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
