Pubs in England and Wales are permitted to stay open until 5am for the England vs Mexico match on Monday, July 6, 2026.
The match, which is happening in Mexico City, kicks off at 1am and is expected to go on past 3am. Normally, pubs would have to apply for a temporary licence to extend their hours. However, the government has decided to allow them to stay open later without needing to apply for a temporary licence. Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that pubs could stay open until the final whistle. “Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to,” he said.
They made this decision after initial resistance from the government, which had already extended licensing laws to accommodate the FIFA World Cup. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “We all know the best place to watch the match is down the local.”
Pubs normally have to apply to their local council to have their hours extended, but they need to apply at least five working days in advance. This would have been too late for the England vs Mexico match, which was announced recently. The licensing laws have already been extended to accommodate the FIFA World Cup, allowing pubs to stay open until 1am for games with kick-offs from 5pm-9pm and until 2am for kick-offs after 9pm.
The decision to allow pubs to stay open until 5am for the England vs Mexico match is a one-time exception. It will likely be welcomed by fans and pub owners alike. This decision may have a positive impact on the hospitality industry, which has been affected by various factors in recent years, such as bookkeeping challenges.
In a separate development, pubs and music venues will have a discount on their business rates from April 2026, followed by a two-year real-terms freeze. This move is aimed at supporting the hospitality industry, which is a significant contributor to the UK economy. The industry’s growth is also influenced by grants for small businesses.
As the FIFA World Cup approaches, many small businesses are preparing for the event. For those that haven’t prepared yet, there are still things that can be done to get ready, such as resolving any property disputes. The event is expected to attract a large audience, and businesses that are prepared will likely benefit from the increased activity.
