Updated Pub Opening Hours for England vs Mexico World Cup Match at 1am

Pubs across England have been granted the opportunity to extend their opening hours for the crucial last 16 match against Mexico on Monday, provided they secure the requisite permissions from their local councils. Following a hard-fought victory over DR Congo, where England triumphed 2-1, the team is now geared up for their next encounter on July 6. Notably, the match is scheduled to kick off at 1am on Monday morning.

During the World Cup, pubs were given special authorisation from the Home Office to extend their licensing hours until 1am, or even 2am for matches that commenced later in the evening. However, the regulations currently in effect only allow for a 2am closing time for matches starting between 9pm and 10pm. Consequently, the England versus Mexico game does not fall within these parameters, as confirmed by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Local Permissions Required for Extended Hours

To remain open later, pubs must reach out to their local councils and obtain specific written permission from the authority. This could allow them to stay open until as late as 3.30am, should the match go into extra time or a penalty shootout. The government has clarified that pubs can apply for an extension by submitting a ‘Temporary Event Notice’ (TEN) to their respective councils. Furthermore, the Secretary of State for Communities, Steve Reed, has proactively encouraged councils to approve these applications to facilitate a festive atmosphere around the match.

Despite this encouragement, the final decision lies with the councils, some of which have already been hesitant to grant approvals. For instance, Jason Cleary, the landlord of The Hodcarrier in Leamington Spa, reported that his request to extend opening hours was denied on the basis that he failed to provide five working days’ notice, having submitted his application on Monday. Warwick District Council clarified that it was legally unable to consider TENs that were not submitted within the statutory notice period of five working days. While the council did not outright reject the application, it pointed out that it had no jurisdiction to approve it, since it was made with only four working days left until the event, excluding the day of submission itself.

Impact on Local Pubs and Their Patrons

This situation has raised concerns among local pub owners who are keen to accommodate fans eager to celebrate the match. As the anticipation builds for the game against Mexico, many establishments are hopeful for a positive response from their councils. The ability to stay open later could significantly enhance the atmosphere, allowing supporters to relish the match in a communal setting.

As fans prepare for what promises to be an exciting encounter, the implications of local council decisions will be closely monitored. The outcome not only affects the pubs but also the experience of countless supporters looking to rally behind the England team during this pivotal moment in the tournament.