Government grants pubs permission to stay open until 5am for England’s next World Cup match

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Pubs across the country are being granted permission to stay open until the early hours of the morning on Sunday.

As England’s World Cup journey continues, the Three Lions are set to face Mexico in a Round of 16 knock-out match at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday night, but due to time differences between the two countries, this means that kick-off will be at 1am GMT here – a time when pubs are closed, and let’s face it, a lot of us are already in bed ready for work the next day.

But, in what is set to be a big ‘boost’ for pubs and bars – and football fans – nationwide, the Government has given permission for alcohol licensing hours to be extended for Sunday night’s match.

The Home Secretary has the legislative power to extend licensing hours on occasions of ‘exceptional international, national or local significance’, so this change removes the need for individual premises to apply for extended hours.

This extension to 5am adds to the already-granted extensions for England’s knock-out games that kicked off up until 10pm.

Communities Secretary Steve Reed is set to write to Council leaders across the country to inform them of these changes.

“Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in an emphatic statement.

Pubs are allowed to stay open until 5am on Sunday / Credit: Road to Victory | We Are Football (Supplied)

“Pubs staying open until the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together. The whole country will be backing the team. Come on England.”

Michael Kill, who is the CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), said the extension is ‘fantastic news’ that will be ‘hugely welcomed’ by operators.

He continued: ““This pragmatic approach allows venues to focus on what matters most – bringing communities together to support the national team.

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“Major sporting occasions like this deliver a significant boost to hospitality businesses while creating an atmosphere that unites the country.”

Featured Image – Road To Victory (Supplied)

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