Football enthusiasts can now revel in the pub until 2am during late-kick off matches in the World Cup. Initially, fans were granted additional time to catch England and Scotland’s games with late kick-offs in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
The recent Government decision further extends pub opening hours for three crucial matches, potentially including a total of 13 games under the national pub licensing hours extension. As part of the expanded hours, pubs in England and Wales can remain open an extra two hours until 1am for round of 32 and last 16 games starting from 5pm to 9pm.
For games kicking off later, between 9pm and 10pm, last orders will be extended until 2am. This extension builds upon existing pub licensing hours for matches starting between 8pm and 10pm.
The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, emphasized the importance of fans staying in pubs to support their teams, leading to this extension. The Home Secretary has the authority to extend licensing hours for events of significant international, national, or local importance, as seen in past events like the Women’s Euro 2025 tournament and Men’s Euro 2024 final.
Additionally, the Home Office mentioned the possibility of extending pub licensing hours for other events, such as Eurovision, Royal Weddings, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the summer of next year.
Industry representatives, including Emma McClarkin from the British Beer and Pub Association, Kate Nicholls from UKHospitality, and Michael Kill from the Night-Time Industries Association, praised the extended hours as a positive move that benefits the hospitality sector, boosts revenue, supports jobs, and enhances community engagement during key match nights. The initiative aims to create a vibrant and safe environment for fans to come together and enjoy the exciting knockout stage matches.
