Government Declines to Extend Pub Hours for England v Mexico Match
The government has decided not to extend pub opening hours on Sunday night to accommodate fans wishing to watch the England versus Mexico World Cup game, which is scheduled to kick off at 1am UK time in Mexico City.
During a session in the House of Commons, Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson inquired whether the government would consider extending licensing laws on Sunday to allow fans to enjoy the game in pubs.
"Pubs will miss out on a real opportunity to get money in the till if ministers do not make a blanket extension for licensing hours," Wilkinson said.
Although the government has previously relaxed licensing laws to accommodate matches starting later in the evening, Business Minister Kate Dearden confirmed that no further extensions would be granted for a 1am kickoff.
"Pubs can stay open for an extra two to three hours depending on how late the match starts so pubs can still open as the game finishes," she explained.
"Regarding Sunday, unfortunately that doesn't apply with the 1am start but going forwards we are absolutely backing our pubs so people can watch and support our lads, and it's coming home hopefully."
Previous Licensing Relaxations
In April, the government eased licensing rules to enable England and Scotland fans to watch matches in pubs. Licensing hours were extended from 11pm to 1am for games with kick-offs between 5pm and 9pm.
Additionally, pubs are permitted to remain open until 2am for kick-offs after 9pm and up to 10pm.
Outside these provisions, pubs may apply to their local council for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) to stay open late. However, such applications must be submitted at least five working days in advance, which meant it was too late for pubs to apply on Thursday for the upcoming match.
Some establishments, anticipating England’s potential progression through the tournament, have already applied for and received event notices.
Industry Response
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, commented on the situation:
"We remain in close contact with government about concerns raised by publicans who want to show the match but haven't got TENs in place.
It would be a crying shame for fans and pubs if our locals weren't able to host such an important match."
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