English Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that pubs and bars across England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 5 a.m. on Monday morning to accommodate fans watching the World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico.
Extended Licensing Hours
The government granted the extended licensing hours for Sunday night’s match in Mexico City, which kicks off at 1 a.m. in England. This move removes the need for individual venues to apply for permission to serve alcohol beyond standard hours.
Similar extensions were granted for England’s earlier games at the tournament that kicked off before 10 p.m. The Home Secretary used legislative powers to extend licensing on occasions of exceptional international, national, or local significance.
Prime Minister Starmer stated, ‘Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to.’ He added, ‘Pubs staying open till the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together.’
The change is expected to deliver a welcome boost to the hospitality sector, allowing venues to capitalize on what is expected to be a night of high demand as supporters gather to watch the match.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said, ‘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.’
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
