England fans cleared to celebrate until 5am for Mexico World Cup tie / Image – file
England football fans will be able to cheer on the Three Lions from their local pub until the final whistle after the UK government confirmed that pubs and bars across England and Wales can remain open until 5am on Monday for the country’s FIFA World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico.The special licensing extension comes ahead of England’s knockout match in Mexico City, which kicks off at 1am UK time on Monday. Under normal licensing rules, many venues would have been forced to close before the match ended, requiring individual pubs to apply for temporary licences well in advance. Instead, the government has used emergency powers to temporarily relax alcohol licensing laws, allowing supporters to watch the entire match together without interruption.The decision has been welcomed by football fans, pub owners and hospitality groups, who say the move will not only create a better atmosphere for supporters but also provide an important financial boost for businesses expecting one of their busiest nights of the tournament.Normally, pubs wanting to trade beyond their licened hours must submit a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) to their local council at least five working days in advance. Because England only secured their place in the Round of 16 after defeating DR Congo 2-1, many venues had no realistic opportunity to apply before learning their next opponent or kick-off time. Recognising the exceptional circumstances, the government invoked powers available under the Licensing Act, which allow ministers to extend opening hours for occasions considered to be of “exceptional international, national or local significance.” Similar relaxations had already been granted for England’s earlier World Cup fixtures, but Monday’s match presented a unique challenge because the 1am kick-off meant the game would continue well beyond the previously approved licensing period.Announcing the decision, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to.”He added that allowing pubs to remain open until the final whistle was good news both for supporters and for the pubs that play such an important role in bringing communities together during major sporting occasions. The decision has been warmly received by the hospitality sector, which has argued throughout the tournament that England’s World Cup matches offer an important opportunity for pubs recovering from years of rising costs and changing consumer habits.Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), described the move as a victory for both fans and businesses. “Pubs and fans will be over the moon about this decision, because we all know the best place to watch the match is down the local.”She added that the tournament is hugely important for the sector and praised the government for responding quickly to industry concerns.The extension is expected to generate increased spending on food and drinks while encouraging thousands of supporters to watch the match in a shared atmosphere rather than at home.Several major pub operators have already confirmed special plans for the fixture. Greene King, one of Britain’s largest pub chains, announced that more than 600 pubs across the UK will remain open to screen England’s match, with many encouraging customers to book tables in advance because of high demand.England booked their place in the World Cup Round of 16 after a dramatic 2-1 victory over DR Congo, with captain Harry Kane scoring one of two late goals to secure qualification. The reward is a knockout meeting with Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, one of world football’s most iconic venues.Because of the time difference between Mexico and the UK, the game will begin at 1am BST and is expected to finish shortly after 3am, with extra time and penalties potentially extending proceedings well into the early hours. Without the licensing extension, many pubs would have been forced to stop serving alcohol or close before the match concluded. While fans have welcomed the decision, transport could remain a challenge. Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that there will be no special overnight Tube extension beyond existing services, meaning many supporters will need to plan their journeys home carefully. Authorities have also urged fans not to drink and drive and to make use of taxis, designated drivers or public transport where available. The temporary licensing order applies only to England and Wales and is valid for the overnight period covering England’s match against Mexico. It allows participating pubs and bars to remain open until 5am on Monday, removing the need for individual licence applications and giving venues the flexibility to serve customers throughout the match and any post-game celebrations. For supporters, it means they can gather with friends, enjoy the full knockout fixture and, if England progress, celebrate the result without worrying about being asked to leave before the final whistle. Go to Source
