Starmer government allows late pub openings for World Cup matches
10 reported2 unconfirmed
The UK government has told councils to allow a blanket extension of pub opening hours during World Cup games featuring England and Scotland, allowing venues to stay open until 1am or 2am depending on kick-off times. The relaxation of licensing rules is intended to accommodate the time difference with the US, Mexico and Canada, the tournament’s co-hosts, which means many home nation games start at night. In England, the late opening will only apply from the knockout stages, while in Scotland most councils will allow late openings from the national team’s first World Cup fixture in nearly 30 years. The British Beer and Pub Association predicts an extra 55 million pints will be pulled during the expanded 104-game tournament, generating £275 million in revenue. However, industry figures quoted in the report expressed skepticism about the overall benefit, noting that pubs face far larger challenges including rising costs, high business rates, and increased minimum wage and national insurance contributions.
What’s reported
The government told councils to allow a blanket extension for pubs during games featuring the home nations.
Pubs can stay until 1am for games starting between 5pm and 9pm, and until 2am for 10pm kick-offs.
In England, late opening only applies from the knockout stages.
In Scotland, most councils will allow late openings from the national team’s first World Cup fixture versus Haiti.
The British Beer and Pub Association predicts an extra 55 million pints and £275 million in revenue from the tournament.
During Euro 2024, England games delivered a 42% sales uplift, rising to 56% for the final; Scotland games had a 38% increase.
Bookings are up 184% in pubs and 64% across hospitality as a whole.
More than 9 million people say they will watch a game in the pub, according to data from Zonal and NIQ.
British pubs have been closing at a rate of two a day this year under rising costs.
About 200,000 people have signed UK Hospitality’s petition for VAT on hospitality to be reduced from 20% to 10%.
Open questions
It is not clear what happens if weather delays push a game beyond the allowed 1am or 2am closing time.
It is unclear how many pubs will actually take advantage of the late opening extension.
Key figures
Keir Starmer, UK prime minister
Paul Crossman, chair of the Campaign for Pubs and landlord of three pubs in York
Dawn Slater, landlady of the Garricks Head pub, Urmston, Greater Manchester
Kate Nicholls, chair of UK Hospitality
Chris Jowsey, runs the 1,300-strong Admiral pubs chain
Dawn Hopkins, owner of the Rose Inn, Norwich
Matt Harris, owner of the Planet of the Grapes wine bar chain, London
Sources: The Guardian
