Pubs allowed to stay open until 5am for England Mexico matchImage source, Carl Recine / Getty ImagesImage caption, Fans celebrate England’s Euro 2025 victory. The government allowed extended licensing hours last year for the semi-final and final of the tournament.ByOliver Smith, Emer Moreau, Business reporters and Paddy Evans, Political reporterPublished2 July 2026, 13:43 BSTUpdated 2 hours agoPubs in England and Wales will now be allowed to stay open until 05:00 on Monday, allowing football fans to watch the Three Lions’ World Cup clash with Mexico to the final whistle.The round-of-16 match in Mexico City kicks off at 01:00 UK time. The government had initially mentioned it would not relax licensing laws further than they already have been for the World Cup.But in a U-turn later on Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer mentioned pubs could stay open until the final whistle.Monday’s match is not expected to finish until at least 03:00.Sir Keir mentioned the decision was good news for both supporters and pubs.”Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to,” he mentioned on Thursday afternoon.Publicans and businesses welcomed the change. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, mentioned: “We all know the best place to watch the match is down the local.”Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, mentioned it was “fantastic news” that would be “hugely welcomed by operators”.Greene King pubs mentioned more than 600 of its venues across England would stay open for the game, including in Birmingham, Bristol, London, Carlisle, Liverpool and Folkestone.Licensing hours had already been extended for the World Cup from 23:00 to 01:00 for games with kick-offs from 17:00 up to 21:00 and up until 02:00 for kick-offs between 21:00 and 22:00.
The original opening hour extensions followed a six-week public consultation which opened in December.
Individual pubs normally have to apply to their local council for extended opening hours, at least five working days in advance.
