ubs and bars across Wales will be allowed to stay open until 5am on Monday morning to allow football fans to watch England’s FIFA World Cup last 16 match against Mexico.
The match, which kicks off at 1am UK time on Monday, is expected to finish no earlier than 3am, with the extended licensing hours allowing supporters to remain in pubs until the final whistle.
The move follows a change of position by the UK Government after it had initially said licensing laws would not be relaxed further for the tournament.
The extension removes the need for individual pubs and bars in England and Wales to apply to their local council for temporary extended opening hours, providing a boost to the hospitality sector while allowing fans to come together to watch the match.
The Home Secretary has the power to extend licensing hours for occasions of “exceptional international, national or local significance”. Previous licensing extensions had already been granted for England’s knockout matches with earlier kick off times.
Communities Secretary Steve Reed is writing to council leaders to inform them of the changes and thank them for their support in approving Temporary Event Notices throughout the tournament.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to.
“Pubs staying open till the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together.
“The whole country will be backing the team. Come on England!”
Before the latest announcement, licensing hours during the World Cup had already been extended from 11pm until 1am for matches kicking off between 5pm and 9pm, and until 2am for games starting between 9pm and 10pm.
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, welcomed the decision.
“Pubs and fans will be over the moon about this decision, because we all know the best place to watch the match is down the local.
“This tournament is hugely important for our sector, so we’re delighted the government listened to our concerns and acted so quickly. Now we can carry on being the home of live sport and welcoming fans through the door.”
Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, added:
“England’s march towards World Cup glory is something millions of fans want to support.
“This very welcome announcement from the government allows those that want to enjoy the game in pubs and other hospitality venues to get together to cheer on our Three Lions.”
