Pub Licensing Extended for World Cup Knockout Stages

Wider Licence Extensions for Pubs During World Cup Knockout Stages

Football fans in England and Wales will benefit from extended pub opening hours during this summer's World Cup, following a further amendment to licensing rules by the Home Office. This update specifically applies to knockout stage matches involving England or Scotland that kick off earlier in the evening.

Previously, extensions were granted for later kick-off times, accounting for the time differences with the host nations: the US, Canada, and Mexico. The latest change ensures that pubs can now remain open later even for matches starting between 17:00 and 21:00 BST in the knockout rounds, which England or Scotland are guaranteed if they win their respective groups.

Specifically, pubs can now stay open until 01:00 BST for England or Scotland matches in the knockout stages kicking off between 17:00 and 21:00, and until 02:00 BST for kick-offs between 21:00 and 22:00.

The announcement has been widely welcomed by the hospitality sector. Michael Kill, Chief Executive of the Night-Time Industries Association, described it as a "welcome boost," while Emma McClarkin of the British Beer and Pub Association stated it would allow people to "come together, boost community spirit and enjoy a summer of sport."

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasised the government's support, stating, "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 Home Secretary possesses the legislative power to extend pub opening hours during occasions of "exceptional international, national or local significance."

It is important to note that alcohol licensing is a devolved issue in Scotland, where local authorities are considering their own extensions, particularly for early morning kick-offs such as Scotland's opening match against Haiti.