By Rohith Nair
MIAMI, July 2 (Reuters) – Pubs and bars across England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 5 a.m. on Monday morning, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday, so fans can watch the World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico without having to stumble home at closing time.
The government announced the extended licensing hours for Sunday night’s match in Mexico City, which kicks off at 1 a.m. in England, removing red tape that would normally require 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., with the Home Secretary using legislative powers to extend licensing on occasions of “exceptional international, national or local significance”.
“Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to,” Starmer said in a statement.
“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 whole country will be backing the team. Come on England!”
The change would deliver what officials described as a welcome boost to the hospitality sector, allowing venues to capitalise on what is expected to be a night of high demand as supporters gather to roar on Thomas Tuchel’s side.
“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,” said Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association.
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Miami; Editing by Ed Osmond)
