Football enthusiasts can now revel in the World Cup action until 2 am at pubs during late-kick off games. Additional time has been granted for fans to catch England and Scotland’s matches with late kick-offs in the tournament held in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
The Government has further extended pub opening hours for three critical games, potentially including a total of 13 matches in the national pub licensing hours extension. Pubs across England and Wales are permitted to remain open an extra two hours until 1 am for round of 32 and last 16 games commencing from 5 pm to 9 pm.
For matches starting from 9 pm up to 10 pm, pushing last orders back to 2 am, pubs will have extended licensing hours. This extension builds upon existing provisions for matches kicking off between 8 pm and 10 pm.
The recent extension offers fans the opportunity to watch an additional trio of matches at pubs. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the importance of fans staying to watch games at pubs, ensuring they do not miss out on the action.
Under legal authority, the Home Secretary can extend licensing hours for events of significant international, national, or local importance. Similar extensions were previously facilitated for the Women’s Euro 2025 tournament and Men’s Euro 2024 final.
The Home Office hinted at possible extensions of pub licensing hours for future events to foster communal celebrations. This could imply pubs opening later for occasions such as Eurovision, Royal Weddings, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup next summer.
Leading industry figures, including Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, and Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, praised the Government’s decision to extend licensing hours for knockout games, enabling fans and hospitality establishments to maximize the World Cup experience.
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night-Time Industries Association, lauded the move as a positive boost for the hospitality sector, emphasizing the economic benefits and community-building aspects of extended pub hours during important match nights. The initiative is seen as a practical measure to enhance growth, enrich the matchday atmosphere, and unite communities through shared sporting moments.