Local councils asked to permit late opening of pubs for World Cup match
Local authorities are being urged to grant special licensing to allow pubs to remain open during the early morning hours of Monday's Round of 16 football match. The decision rests with individual local councils on whether to provide these exemptions for fans watching England face Mexico.
Amalgamated from The Independent (opens in new tab), The Mirror (opens in new tab), Daily Mail (opens in new tab)
Local councils are being asked to grant special permissions for pubs to remain open during the early morning hours of Monday as fans prepare for England’s Round of 16 match against Mexico. The appeal follows a victory by the Three Lions over the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which secured their advancement in the tournament.
The match is scheduled to begin at 01:00 UK time on Monday. According to reporting from the Daily Mail, if the contest proceeds into extra time or a penalty shootout, it could continue until 04:00.
While The Mirror reports that calls have been made for councils to relax licensing rules so fans can watch in public houses, the Independent notes that the final decision rests with individual local authorities. In regions where these special permissions are not granted, some outlets report that spectators may be advised to stay at home or seek out alternative venues such as nightclubs.
The availability of late-night venue options will depend on whether local councils choose to grant specific exemptions for the match.
Why this matters
The decision highlights the role of local licensing in managing hospitality trade during major sporting events with international broadcasting schedules. The outcome will determine if fans can view the match in traditional public houses or must seek other venues.
What's confirmed / what isn't
Multiple independent sources confirm the match time, the opponent, and the fact that councils have been urged to grant late opening permissions. The specific outcome of these requests remains pending as it depends on individual local authority decisions.
Background
The World Cup is an international football competition held every four years. Licensing rules for alcohol sales and opening hours often vary by local council jurisdiction in England.