Can UK Pubs Stay Open Late for World Cup Matches?

The 2024 World Cup features late-night UK kick-offs, raising questions about pub opening hours and licensing. Venues prepare for extended hours, while authorities emphasize public safety and responsible drinking during the tournament.

What time are the World Cup matches on in the UK?

A football World Cup unlike any before begins on Thursday, with matches hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, resulting in kick-offs throughout the night for viewers in the UK.

England's group stage matches against Croatia, Ghana, and Panama will start at either 21:00 or 22:00 BST. However, matches involving other nations will commence at times including midnight, 02:00, or 03:00 BST—for example, Scotland's opening game against Haiti on Sunday.

For many supporters, gathering in pubs and bars to watch the games is an essential part of the tournament experience.

With kick-off times extending late into the night, questions have arisen regarding pub opening hours, licensing regulations, and public safety measures.

Hundreds of England football supporters stand looking at a big screen as England play. Many of them have their hands on their heads as though a big chance has just been missed. It is a sunny day and some fans have their tops off — Many football fans enjoy watching England together, such as these supporters at a fanzone in Bristol

The tournament's opening fixture features Mexico versus South Africa at 20:00 BST, followed by a second game seven hours later at 03:00 BST when South Korea faces Czechia.

Matches will then proceed rapidly, with up to five games occurring in a single day, some starting as early as 05:00 BST or as late as midnight.

The latest England group game begins at 22:00 BST, but if England advances to the Round of 16, the draw dictates that the match scheduled for Monday 6 July will kick off at 01:00 BST.

Scottish fans should anticipate later nights, as group matches against Brazil and Morocco are set for 23:00 starts, following the 02:00 game against Haiti.

Comprehensive details for all matches are available on .

Can pubs stay open late for World Cup games?

Venues across the West of England are preparing for the challenges posed by late kick-offs.

Bristol's Prospect Building intends to screen every England game possible.

"We'll be screening [the games], there'll be music... there'll be football commentators and stuff too in the space," said general manager Hope Nolan.

Nolan hopes to create an atmosphere "like a festival vibe," though the venue does not plan to show the Round of 16 match (should England reach it) due to the 01:00 start time.

"It's just not actually viable," she explained.

PROSPECT BUILDING A crowd of England fans sit around pub tables inside a large warehouse-style building — Bristol's Prospect Building hopes the World Cup will create a 'festival vibe'

In Stroud, the Fountain Inn aims to broadcast as many matches as possible.

"We could possibly show three at a time on different screens," said landlord Mike McDougal. "We have six screens available."

Some landlords believe extended opening hours could benefit the hospitality industry.

Jerry Kunkler, landlord of the Moonrakers in Pewsey, Wiltshire, expressed optimism about late openings.

"People do get behind England when they start to play well so I think it [opening late] will be a great idea," he said.

He added that they would "wait and see" if they could show the 01:00 game if England progress, but the pub is "gearing up for the World Cup in a big way."

In Glastonbury, The Riflemans Arms is also planning late openings, which manager Kassandra Hobday hopes will be "good for business," despite some concerns.

"Having a later license always comes with some concerns of people having consumed too much alcohol, but people are always welcome as long as they're behaving," she said.

While the football is expected to be popular with customers, Hobday noted that many younger staff members are excited about working during the tournament.

What are the licensing rules?

The UK Government announced earlier this summer a relaxation of licensing rules, while simultaneously urging local authorities not to "be the fun police."

On 6 June, Communities Secretary Steve Reed encouraged councils to process licence applications promptly.

Pubs can remain open until 01:00 BST for England or Scotland games kicking off between 17:00 and 21:00 during the group stages, and until 02:00 BST for matches starting between 21:00 and 22:00 BST.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated:

"Red tape should not get in the way of fans enjoying the game with friends, and local pubs doing a great trade too."

Establishments have a responsibility to monitor customers' alcohol consumption and may refuse service to those who are overly intoxicated.

Avon and Somerset Police emphasized that while they do not wish to "stop people having fun," public safety remains the priority, with additional patrols planned during the tournament.

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Shields said: "There will also be an increased focus on drink-driving and reminding people of the importance of being safe on the roads.