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English pubs get 5 a.m. licence for World Cup game against Mexico

From FBC News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Pubs and bars across England and Wales can serve alcohol until 5 a.m. on Monday for the World Cup match against Mexico.
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the extended licensing hours, removing red tape for venues.
  • Police expressed concern over the late notice, warning of strain on resources and urging responsible drinking, while the hospitality sector welcomed the boost.

Pubs and bars throughout England and Wales will be permitted to stay open until 5 a.m. on Monday morning, allowing fans to watch the World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the extended licensing hours for Sunday night's match, which kicks off at 1 a.m. in England.

Football might be coming home, but we’re making sure fans don’t have to.

— Keir StarmerPrime Minister Keir Starmer's statement on the extended licensing hours for the World Cup match.

The government has removed bureaucratic hurdles that would typically require individual venues to seek special permission for serving alcohol beyond standard hours. Similar extensions were previously granted for England's earlier games in the tournament that started before 10 p.m. The interior minister utilized legislative powers to extend licensing for events of "exceptional international, national or local significance."

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!

— Keir StarmerPrime Minister Keir Starmer's statement on the extended licensing hours.

"Football might be coming home, but we’re making sure fans don’t have to," Starmer stated. He added that pubs staying open until the final whistle is good news for supporters and for the venues that unite communities. The British Beer and Pub Association's CEO, Emma McClarkin, called the decision "over the moon" for pubs and fans, emphasizing that locals are the best place to watch the match.

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.

— Emma McClarkinCEO of the British Beer and Pub Association commenting on the extended licensing hours.

However, British police chiefs voiced complaints about the late notification, citing potential strain on their resources. They urged fans to drink safely and responsibly to prevent a rise in alcohol-related violence or accidents. Police noted that England's likely progression route was predictable, and the late announcement forces them to adapt plans, leading to officers working extended shifts and being diverted from community duties. The education minister also advised parents to minimize disruption to the following school day, following a call from coach Thomas Tuchel to allow children to watch the game.

Yet this late announcement leaves policing having to adapt our plans, seeing officers working ⁠extended shifts, which in turn takes them away from communities.

— British Police ChiefsComplaining about the late notice of the extended licensing hours.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by FBC News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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