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The government of England and Wales has announced further adjustments to licensing regulations that will allow pubs to extend their opening hours during this summer’s World Cup. This move ensures that football supporters following England or Scotland can celebrate or reflect on key knockout stage matches in the pub, even when kick-off times vary. The tournament is set to take place across three North American countries: the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Previously, the Home Office had permitted pubs to remain open later than usual for certain matches, accommodating the diverse start times of games worldwide. The recent update broadens this flexibility by applying similar extended hours to earlier evening matches as well. This is significant because it covers cases where England or Scotland’s first knockout game begins earlier in the evening, assuming they win their respective groups. The change primarily affects two specific knockout matches for these teams, along with one additional round of 16 match.
Under the new rules, pubs can stay open until 1:00 AM BST for knockout games kicking off between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM, and until 2:00 AM BST for matches starting between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM. It is important to note that alcohol licensing is a devolved matter in Scotland, where local authorities are currently considering their own extension plans. This is particularly relevant as Scotland’s opening game against Haiti starts at 2:00 AM BST, posing unique challenges for venues serving fans.
The World Cup will kick off in June, with host countries located several hours behind the UK time zone. Some match times that could lead to extended pub hours during the knockout phase include Scotland potentially playing at 6:00 PM BST on Monday, June 29 in Houston, England possibly playing at 5:00 PM BST on Wednesday, July 1 in Atlanta, and a further Scotland match at 6:00 PM BST on Saturday, July 4 in Houston—if they finish second in their group but win their last-32 game. Although Wales and Northern Ireland did not qualify, pubs in those regions are familiar with the lucrative draw of live international football during summer evenings. Industry leaders have praised the government’s decision, highlighting the benefits it brings to the hospitality sector and community spirit. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the intention behind the move, stating, “If our boys are on the pitch, we want our fans to stay in the pub,” adding that pubs and bars are now given “an open goal to serve punters long after the last penalty hits the back of the net.
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