UK Government Unveils Plan to Keep Pubs Open Longer During World Cup

The UK government has launched a consultation to extend pub opening hours in England and Wales until 1:00 am during next summer’s Football World Cup.

sarah

Dec 5, 2025 - 08:50

UK Government Unveils Plan to Keep Pubs Open Longer During World Cup

Pubs in England and Wales can stay open until 1:00 am next summer if a Home Nation reaches the quarter-finals or beyond in the Football World Cup.

The government has launched a six-week public consultation to extend pub licensing hours to allow fans to gather and support their teams.

The tournament begins next June in the US, Canada, and Mexico – countries whose time zones are at least five hours behind the UK. The consultation proposes extending licensing hours to 1:00 am for the semi-finals and final, if matches start at or before 21:00 UK time.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has the legal power to extend pub opening hours for occasions of "exceptional international, national, or local significance."

These were previously extended for last year's Women's Euro 2025, the Men's Euro 2024 Final, and the Women's Euro 2022 Final.

Pub opening hours were also extended in May this year to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

This extension will only apply to England and Wales, as Scotland and Northern Ireland have different licensing rules.

The Home Secretary said: "Pubs across our country are going into extra time. If any country reaches the final stage, we will extend licensing hours."

Next year's tournament will be the first time the World Cup will be hosted by three countries.

England and Scotland will learn their group stage opponents at the final draw in Washington, DC, on Friday.

Wales and Northern Ireland also have a chance to reach the tournament when they compete in the play-offs, where a total of 16 teams will fight for four places in the competition.

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night-Time Industries Association, welcomed the move to allow pubs to stay open late, saying: "We believe this consultation is a positive step in ensuring the hospitality industry can fully contribute to the nation's spirits and economic activity during such a historic event."

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: "Pubs have always been and will always be the home of live sport, and there's no better place to gather under one roof and make memories during such major moments of national significance." Kate Nicholls, chairperson of industry group UKHospitality, said: "I'm delighted the government is once again considering extending licensing hours... This could truly benefit hospitality businesses."

The consultation will run until January, and the Home Office will make a decision as soon as possible after reviewing responses.