Wider licence extensions for pubs during World Cup
Wider Licence Extensions for Pubs During World Cup
Expanded Pub Hours for Knockout Matches
The UK government has extended pub opening hours during this summer’s World Cup, allowing more time for fans to gather after England or Scotland’s matches. This comes as a new adjustment to licensing laws in England and Wales, permitting pubs to remain open past their usual closing times for significant fixtures. Previously, the Home Office had allowed venues to stay open for certain matches, considering the varied start times across the tournament. However, the latest change now includes matches that begin earlier in the evening, particularly the first knockout round games involving England or Scotland.
Scotland’s Devolved Licensing Rules
In Scotland, the decision to extend pub hours is handled locally by individual authorities. This is due to the devolved nature of alcohol licensing. A notable challenge arises with the opening match of the Scottish team against Haiti, which is scheduled for a late kick-off at 02:00 BST. The adjustment ensures pubs can accommodate fans even for these late-night games, aligning with the broader UK framework.
The World Cup begins in June, spanning multiple time zones in the host nations of the US, Canada, and Mexico, which are all at least five hours behind the UK. The new extension applies to matches in the knockout stages that start between 17:00 and 21:00 BST, allowing pubs to stay open until 01:00. For games kicking off between 21:00 and 22:00, the hours are extended to 02:00. This change covers the first knockout matches of England and Scotland, should they advance from their group stages.
Industry Support for the Policy
Industry leaders have praised the updated rules. Michael Kill, CEO of the Night-Time Industries Association, described the move as a “welcome boost” for the sector. Emma McClarkin, head of the British Beer and Pub Association, emphasized the importance of the extension, stating it would enable people to “come together, boost community spirit and enjoy a summer of sport.”
“If our boys are on the pitch, we want our fans to stay in the pub,” said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. “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 adjustments follow a six-week public consultation that began in December, granting the Home Secretary legislative authority to extend pub hours for events of “exceptional international, national or local significance.” While Wales and Northern Ireland have not qualified for the knockout stages, their pubs have still benefited from the summer football schedule, which has historically drawn crowds and generated revenue.
