Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reversed the government’s position on pub licensing hours, confirming pubs can stay open until the final whistle for England’s round-of-16 World Cup match in Mexico City, which kicks off at 01:00 UK time and is not expected to finish until after 03:00.
Earlier on Thursday, business minister Kate Dearden had told the House of Commons that opening hours would not be extended further for the late kick-off. Her comments came in response to Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson, who warned that pubs would “miss out on a real opportunity to get money in the till” without a blanket licensing extension. Within hours, Starmer reversed that position. “Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to,” he said on Thursday afternoon.
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed confirmed emergency legislation would be passed through parliament on Friday to allow every England fan who wants to watch in a pub the chance to do so. Reed acknowledged the previous relaxing of licensing measures “hadn’t covered the eventuality of England playing so late in the night”, describing it as “one of the fastest changes in the law that we’ve seen”.
The pub and hospitality sectors welcomed the reversal. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “We all know the best place to watch the match is down the local.” Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, called it “fantastic news” that would be “hugely welcomed by operators”.
The government had previously extended licensing hours for the Euro 2025 semi-final and final following a six-week public consultation that opened in December. Under normal circumstances, individual pubs must apply to their local council for extended hours at least five working days in advance.
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
