Government considers U-turn over extending pub hours for England v Mexico
Pubs could now be allowed to stay open until the end of England’s World Cup match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am UK time on Monday.
The government had initially said it would not relax licensing laws further than it has for the World Cup, but BBC News understands the Prime Minister is now considering this.
In April the government relaxed licensing rules so England and Scotland fans could watch matches in pubs.
But earlier on Thursday, Business Secretary Kate Dearden told the House of Commons that opening hours in Mexico City to 1am would not be extended further.
Dearden was responding to a question from Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson about the general extension.
Wilkinson told the House of Commons: “Pubs will miss out on a real opportunity to get money out of the tills unless ministers introduce a general extension to licensing hours.”
Dearden said Local Government Minister Steve Reed had written to councils encouraging them to sign up to bars staying open late enough for fans to watch the game until the end.
“The bars may stay open for another two to three hours, depending on how late the game starts, so they can stay open when the game is over,” he said.
“As for Sunday, unfortunately that doesn’t apply for the 1am start but from now on we’re definitely supporting our pubs so people can watch and support our boys and hopefully he’ll come home.”
License hours have been extended from 23:00 to 01:00 for games with kick-offs from 17:00 to 21:00.
Additionally, bars will be able to stay open until 2 a.m., opening after 21:00 and until 22:00.
Outside of these rules, bars can apply to their local municipality for a notice called a Temporary Activities Notice (TEN) to stay open late.
However, since it is too late for bars to apply on Thursday, the application must be submitted no later than five business days in advance.
A number of organizations have planned for England’s potential progress in the tournament and have already applied and received notification of an event.
In a video on X, Reed encouraged councils to approve applications from bars.
“There are some councils that are still saying no to pubs and my message to those councils is please say yes,” he said.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “We are liaising closely with the government over concerns raised by broadcasters who want to show the match but do not have their TEN in place.
“It would be a great shame for fans and pubs if our local community could not host such an important match.”
