Pubs and bars across England and Wales will be allowed to remain open until 5am on Monday to accommodate supporters watching England’s FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match against Mexico.
The temporary licensing extension applies to the late-night fixture, which is scheduled to kick off at 1am on Sunday night, giving football fans more opportunities to gather in hospitality venues without businesses needing to secure individual permissions.
Licensing Rules Relaxed to Support Fans and Hospitality Sector
The government said the move removes the administrative requirement for licensed premises to apply separately for extended trading hours, reducing regulatory burdens while helping pubs and bars benefit from increased customer demand during the tournament.
The measure follows similar licensing extensions already introduced for England’s earlier knockout matches that began before 10pm.
Under existing legislation, the Home Secretary has the authority to temporarily extend alcohol licensing hours for occasions considered to be of exceptional national, international, or local significance.
Councils Informed of Temporary Changes
Communities Secretary Steve Reed is writing to local authority leaders across England and Wales to notify them of the extended licensing arrangements.
He also thanked councils for their role in approving Temporary Event Notices throughout the World Cup, allowing venues to continue welcoming supporters during England’s matches.
Prime Minister Encourages Nationwide Support
Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the decision, describing it as positive news for both football supporters and hospitality businesses.
He said allowing pubs to remain open until the end of the match would help communities come together to support the national team while providing an economic boost to local venues that serve as gathering places during major sporting events.
The Prime Minister also expressed confidence that fans across the country would unite behind England as the team pursues World Cup success.
Hospitality Industry Welcomes Government Decision
The extension received strong backing from hospitality industry representatives, who said the move would benefit businesses facing ongoing economic pressures while enhancing the matchday experience for supporters.
Michael Kill, Chief Executive of the Night Time Industries Association, said the government had responded to widespread public support for England and acknowledged the challenges confronting pubs and licensed venues.
He described the decision as a practical solution that would allow businesses to focus on hosting fans during one of the tournament’s biggest fixtures while delivering additional revenue for the sector.
Pub Operators Expect Increased Trade
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said both pub operators and football supporters would welcome the announcement.
She noted that live sporting events remain an important source of business for pubs and praised the government for acting quickly after concerns were raised by the industry.
According to McClarkin, the extension will allow pubs to continue serving as the preferred destination for supporters watching England compete on the international stage.
Industry Leaders Highlight Community Benefits
UKHospitality Chair Kate Nicholls also welcomed the temporary licensing changes, saying millions of England fans are eager to support the national team during the World Cup.
She said the extended opening hours would enable more people to gather safely in pubs and other hospitality venues to watch the match together while strengthening the role local businesses play in bringing communities together during major sporting occasions.
Extension Applies to England’s World Cup Knockout Fixture
The temporary measure will apply specifically to England’s round-of-16 meeting with Mexico, ensuring pubs and bars across England and Wales can remain open until 5am on Monday morning without needing separate licensing approvals.
The government says the decision supports both the hospitality industry and football supporters as England continues its World Cup campaign.
