Wider licence extensions for pubs during World Cup

Extended Pub Hours for World Cup Matches

The government has introduced a new adjustment to licensing regulations in England and Wales, allowing pubs to remain open later for fans of England or Scotland during this summer’s World Cup. This change comes as more matches in the knockout rounds are expected to fall outside typical closing times, enabling extended celebrations or reflections after key games.

Previously, pubs were permitted to extend their hours for matches with varying start times across the tournament. Now, the update ensures these extensions apply even to earlier evening games, including England and Scotland’s first knockout matches if they advance from their group stages. The latest rule covers additional matches in the last 16, alongside the two initial ones.

Pub opening hours can be extended until 01:00 BST for games starting between 17:00 and 21:00, and until 02:00 BST for those beginning between 21:00 and 22:00. In Scotland, where licensing is managed locally, authorities are assessing their own adjustments to accommodate extended hours for matches in the early hours of the morning.

The World Cup, held across the US, Canada, and Mexico, spans multiple time zones, all at least five hours behind the UK. This means some matches, like England’s opening clash against Haiti, will start at 02:00 BST, requiring pubs to stay open late for these events. Despite Wales and Northern Ireland missing out on knockout stage berths, their fans have still benefited from the tradition of late-night football gatherings in past tournaments.

“This is a welcome boost for the sector,” said Michael Kill, CEO of the Night-Time Industries Association.

Emma McClarkin, head of the British Beer and Pub Association, added: “The extension allows people to come together, boost community spirit and enjoy a summer of sport.”

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the importance of fan engagement: “If our boys are on the pitch, we want our fans to stay in the pub. So we’re giving pubs and bars an open goal to serve punters long after the last penalty hits the back of the net.”

The changes stem from a six-week public consultation launched in December, granting the Home Secretary authority to adjust pub hours for events of exceptional national or international significance.