Despite a government decision to permit extended opening hours until 5am for the upcoming England versus Mexico World Cup match, many pubs are expected to remain closed. The round of 16 fixture is scheduled to kick off at 1am on Monday, following England’s 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday.
The announcement on Thursday by Sir Keir Starmer allows pubs across England and Wales to stay open late for the match. This blanket extension means individual establishments do not need to apply for temporary event notices, a change from earlier regulations. Previously, pubs could stay open until 1am for matches kicking off between 5pm and 9pm, and until 2am for those starting after 9pm. Venues wishing to stay open beyond these times typically needed to apply five working days in advance.
The decision to relax the rules came after a significant outcry from MPs and pub owners. Initially, the business minister Kate Dearden had stated on Thursday morning that the government would not relax rules for pubs that had not applied in time for the 1am kick-off. However, following a backlash that included comments from London mayor Sadiq Khan, the government reversed its stance later that afternoon.
Some pub owners, however, have indicated that they will not be opening. Issues such as arranging staffing and being located in residential areas are cited as reasons for remaining closed. For example, a spokesperson for Wetherspoons stated that only five of their 800 pubs would be open for the match.
Similarly, Greene King, which operates 2,600 pubs, restaurants, and hotels across the UK, confirmed that over 600 of its pubs in England would be staying open late. Andrew Gallagher, brand and marketing director at Greene King, expressed delight at the permission to stay open, highlighting the atmosphere in their pubs and the opportunity for fans to gather.
Tommy Higgs, co-owner of The Three Horseshoes pub in Witney, Oxfordshire, confirmed his pub would not be opening. He explained that being in a built-up community makes it disrespectful to neighbours to have noise at 5am. Higgs also noted the difficulty in finding staff willing to work until that hour, particularly as many of his employees work part-time or have second jobs.
Higgs acknowledged that the extended hours might benefit larger establishments in bigger cities but deemed it pointless for his local pub. He suggested that other measures could better support the pub trade. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) had previously reported a decline in the number of pubs in the UK, from 46,829 in 2020 to 44,656 in 2025.
The home secretary is set to use legislative power that permits the extension of alcohol licensing hours for events of “exceptional international, national or local significance.” Steve Reed, the communities secretary, is informing council leaders about these changes. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, welcomed the decision, stating that pubs and fans would be pleased, as the local pub is considered the best place to watch the match.
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), also welcomed the news, noting that the government had responded to public support and recognized the challenges faced by licensed premises. The England versus Mexico match is scheduled to run until at least 3am UK time.
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Source: independent.co.uk
As NewsGB.org's Sports News Writer, Theo Marsden reports on rugby union, golf and boxing for readers across the country. He began on a regional sports desk in Yorkshire. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Hull and completed an NCTJ diploma. Theo lives in Hull, where he follows the European Tour and amateur rugby. “Sport moves fast; readers deserve it right the first time.”