Councils to decide if pubs can stay open later for England-Mexico World Cup match

Councils will decide whether pubs can extend opening hours for England’s World Cup Round of 16 match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am on Monday.

Local Government Minister Steve Reed called on authorities to confirm later closing times and allow fans to watch the full match.

This fixture is not covered by the existing 2am extra time for England matches and will continue regardless of this time.

While the Liberal Democrats called for a general extension of licensing hours, Downing Street said: “It is for local councils to make these decisions.”

England secured their place against Mexico at the FIFA World Cup by defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 on Wednesday.

“The Secretary of State for Housing and Communities has written to councils to encourage them to sign up to applications for pubs to further extend opening hours for these late matches so fans can enjoy the football,” a Downing Street spokesman said.

Pubs will need a temporary event notice to show the match, as previous license extensions only applied to matches starting between 9pm and 10pm.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said the industry had raised concerns about not getting approval to show the match.

He said: “We are in close contact with the Government regarding concerns raised by broadcasters who wish to show the match but do not have an Interim Event Notice.

“It would be a great shame for fans and pubs if our locals were not able to host such an important match.”

Liberal Democrat Cheltenham MP Max Wilkinson, who called for a blanket extension on Thursday, said rejecting it would be “the worst decision since hydration breaks were introduced”.

He previously told the House of Commons: “Harry Kane’s exploits last night mean that many England fans are looking forward to his arrival early in the morning or late at night on Monday, depending on one’s point of view, and that is a good thing.

“But if ministers do not introduce a general extension to licensing hours, pubs risk missing out on a real opportunity to bring more money into the coffers.”

England manager Thomas Tuchel called on children to stay up late and watch the match.

Asked whether the Prime Minister supported the call, Downing Street said “parents will make their own decisions on this”.

Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman said: “We want everyone to enjoy the game but children need to go to school on Monday.”

He said Sir Keir would face the “same dilemma” of whether to stay afloat as other England fans.

“The Prime Minister has a busy schedule as usual on Monday, so he will face the same dilemma as everyone else about whether to stay afloat or not.

“Win or lose, I think millions of England fans will be back at work on Monday and the Prime Minister will do the same.”

Skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith previously said she planned to “nap at the disco” on Sunday afternoon and then stay up late to watch the game.