England fans can watch World Cup group games at the pub – but bad news for Scots | UK | News
The announcement that England’s World Cup group stage matches will start before midnight is a “welcome boost” for pubs and bars, the boss of an industry body has said.
There was some concern among fans that late fixtures could curtail celebrations, with next summer’s tournament taking place in the US, Canada and Mexico, with some matches not starting until 3am UK time.
Dates, kick-off times and stadiums for the group stage matches were confirmed on Saturday and Thomas Tuchel’s team will face Croatia on June 17 at 21:00 UK time in Texas and at 15:00 local time at the home of the Dallas Cowboys NFL team.
The second match against Ghana on 23 June will kick off at 16:00 in Boston and 21:00 in the UK. The final group match against Panama at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey will start at 17:00 local time and 22:00 in the UK.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UK Hospitality, said: “This news is a welcome development for the hospitality industry.
“Everyone knows that if you can’t make it to the game, the next best place to do it is your local pub or bar.”
But there are concerns that grounds in Scotland risk missing out on this boost with their national teams kicking off later.
Fans watching Scotland’s matches will stay up late, with the opening match against Haiti in Boston kicking off at 21:00 local time (02:00 am on 14 June).
The second match against Morocco on 19 June will also be played in Boston, kicking off at 18.00 – 23.00 in the UK, and in the final group match they will face Brazil in Miami on 24 June, also at 18.00 or 23.00 in the UK.
Paul Togneri, of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, called for flexibility on licensing boards following the announcement.
“This should be a once-in-a-generation moment for Scotland fans and a huge boost for pubs across Scotland, but with kick-offs at 11pm and 2am this opportunity is at risk,” he said.
“Each match is due to provide an estimated £3 million boost to pubs in Scotland, but we need licensing boards to show flexibility and allow pubs to open their doors, which is why we are requesting provisional licensing declarations for the whole tournament.
“People will rightly want to come together and celebrate, just as they did when we qualified a few weeks ago. Let’s make sure they can do this in a safe, orderly environment and give our pubs the chance to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. No Pub, No Party.”
Football fans in the UK can appreciate the 8pm kick-off for the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July.
The Government for England and Wales on Thursday launched a consultation on extending public licensing hours for next summer’s tournament.
If approved, license hours for currently licensed venues could be extended to 01:00 for semi-finals and finals if England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland matches start at 21:00 UK time or earlier.
The power was recently used for the Women’s Euros in the summer and has also been used during the King’s coronation in 2023.
Ms Nicholls said: “Major sporting events always provide a sales boost for the industry and operators will do everything they can to ensure fans who gather to cheer on their country’s teams this summer have the best experience.”
