Supporters could be allowed to watch key World Cup fixtures in pubs beyond normal licensing hours. The government has also urged councils to take a flexible approach to applications for special events and outdoor screenings.
The UK government has announced plans to extend pub opening hours during certain FIFA World Cup knockout matches involving England or Scotland. The measures are intended to allow fans to watch games together while supporting hospitality businesses during the tournament.
According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, pubs will be able to remain open until 1am for England or Scotland knockout matches that kick off between 5pm and 9pm. For matches starting between 9pm and 10pm, venues will be permitted to stay open until 2am.
The announcement comes as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States, is expected to produce a number of late-evening broadcasts for UK audiences because of time-zone differences.
Government Backs Extended Licensing Hours and Event Applications
The government said the temporary measures build on existing licensing extensions and are aimed at helping fans watch major matches in shared public settings.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that World Cup tournaments bring communities together and argued that administrative barriers should not prevent people from enjoying matches with friends in local pubs. He also highlighted the role of pub gardens and outdoor spaces during the summer tournament.
Communities Secretary Steve Reed called on local authorities to process sensible applications quickly. According to the government announcement published on 8 June, councils are being encouraged to approve as many requests for Temporary Event Notices as possible, allowing venues to host special screenings and events linked to the tournament.
Reed said authorities should help ensure supporters are not forced to leave venues during decisive moments of matches, including penalty shoot-outs. The government also stated that councils which unnecessarily delay or block applications will be held accountable, while acknowledging that local authorities must still balance other considerations when making decisions.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds added that councils should apply what she described as a “common sense approach” when considering restrictions on pub gardens during important knockout fixtures.
Some Venues Seek Even Later Opening Times during the Tournament
Separate reporting from the BBC’s Local Democracy Reporting Service shows that several pubs in York have already applied for permission to remain open until 5am during the World Cup.
According to the BBC report, the Cross Keys on Goodramgate, The Harry Hotspur on Micklegate, and Slug and Lettuce on Low Ousegate are among the venues seeking extended hours. These applications go beyond the automatic licensing extensions announced by the government.
The government measures allow pubs and bars to stay open without applying for additional permissions when England or Scotland are playing in a quarter-final, semi-final or final. Venues may remain open until 1am if those matches begin at or before 9pm UK time, and until 2am if they start at 10pm.
Fixtures involving other national teams, or matches beginning after 10pm, would still require Temporary Event Notices, according to the report.
North Yorkshire Police and City of York Council have also asked venues screening World Cup matches to consider measures such as employing door staff, using plastic drinking vessels and managing attendance levels. The BBC reported that pubs and bars have additionally been advised to take account of York race days when planning events during the tournament.
The government has also announced plans to reform pavement licensing arrangements, with proposals to extend licence durations and reduce the need for repeated applications by businesses serving food and drink outdoors.
