Pubs will now be allowed to stay open for fans to watch England vs Mexico in the World Cup. Sir Keir Starmer announced that boozers can stay open until 5am for the next fixture, which kicks off at 1am.
The game will end at about 3am if it ends in normal time, and even later if it goes to extra time and penalties. In April, the Government relaxed licensing rules so England and Scotland fans could watch 9pm or 10pm kickoffs in the pub.
England fans (Image: Getty)
Licensing hours were extended from 11pm to 1am for games with kick-offs from 5pm up to 9pm, and to 2am for kick-offs after 9pm and up to 10pm.
Outside these rules, pubs can apply to their local council for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) to stay open late.
The Government initially said it would not relax these laws further, but the Prime Minister announced on Thursday afternoon that the late opening had been given the go-ahead.
He said in a video posted to X: “We’re making sure that pubs can stay open on Monday morning, early Monday morning, for the England game.
“So I know lots of people are making their plans; if you’re planning to watch it in the pub, that is great, and it’s really good for pubs as well. So come on England!”
England fans will be able to watch the game in the pub. (Image: Getty)
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “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.
“This tournament is hugely important for our sector, so we’re delighted the government listened to our concerns and acted so quickly. Now we can carry on being the home of live sport and welcoming fans through the door.”
A whopping 16.3 million people tuned in to watch England secure a 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday evening.
Captain Harry Kane scored both second-half goals, sending the team through to the round of 16.
