England Pubs Cleared to Stay Open Until 5 a.m. for World Cup Clash Against Mexico
LONDON – Pubs across England and Wales will be permitted to remain open until 5:00 a.m. on Monday to allow football fans to watch England’s FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match against Mexico, following a last-minute policy reversal by the UK government.
The match, scheduled to kick off at 1:00 a.m. UK time in Mexico City, is expected to run until at least 3:00 a.m., prompting calls from hospitality businesses for extended licensing hours.
The government had initially ruled out further relaxing licensing regulations beyond the temporary extensions already introduced for the tournament. However, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that pubs would now be allowed to remain open until after the match concludes.
“Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to,” Starmer said, describing the decision as a boost for both supporters and the hospitality sector.
The announcement was welcomed by pub operators and industry groups.
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said local pubs remained the ideal venue for fans to enjoy the game.
“We all know the best place to watch the match is down the local.”
Michael Kill, Chief Executive of the Night Time Industries Association, described the decision as “fantastic news,” adding that it would be warmly received by businesses across the sector.
Pub chain Greene King confirmed that more than 600 of its venues across England – including locations in Birmingham, Bristol, London, Carlisle, Liverpool and Folkestone – would stay open for the fixture.
Earlier World Cup licensing measures had already extended pub opening hours from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. for evening matches and until 2:00 a.m. for later kick-offs. Those changes followed a six-week public consultation launched in December.
Ordinarily, pubs seeking longer trading hours must apply to their local authorities at least five working days in advance.
Earlier on Thursday, Business Minister Kate Dearden had told Parliament there would be no additional extension for Monday’s early-morning fixture. She was responding to Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson, who argued that pubs would lose valuable business if blanket licensing exemptions were not granted.
Following the government’s change of position, Local Government Secretary Steve Reed said emergency legislation would be rushed through Parliament on Friday to implement the revised opening hours.
“Every England fan that wants to go to the pub and cheer their team on gets the chance to go.”
He added that the original licensing changes had not anticipated England playing so late in the tournament.
“This is one of the fastest changes in the law that we’ve seen.”
Authorities have also issued public safety advice ahead of the late-night fixture.
The RAC warned supporters to avoid driving if they have consumed alcohol or are fatigued after staying up to watch the match, particularly with hot weather increasing the risk of dehydration.
RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis advised motorists to wait until they are fully rested before getting behind the wheel.
“Tiredness, dehydration and alcohol can be a lethal combination behind the wheel.”
Meanwhile, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) encouraged employers to communicate clearly with staff regarding any flexibility for Monday’s working day.
David D’Souza, the organisation’s Director of Profession, said employers are not required to make special arrangements for World Cup matches.
“Employees should not assume arrangements will automatically be available.”
