Pubs to open late for home nations World Cup knockout games2 hours agoShareSaveHarry Farley,Political correspondentandClaire KeenanShareSaveGetty ImagesPubs across the UK will be able to stay open late for any home nation knockout match during the men’s World Cup this summer. The government revealed the changes that will allow pubs in England, Scotland – and if they qualify – Wales or Northern Ireland, to stay open until 01:00 or 02:00. The government had previously stated the extended hours could only apply for the finals. The World Cup kicks off next June in the US, Canada and Mexico, which include time zones at least five hours behind the UK.Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated fans will be able to enjoy another round as extra time will be given to games with a 22:00 kick-off.”With later kick-offs at this year’s World Cup, we don’t want to blow the final whistle before the winning goal,” she stated. “So we’re showing red tape the red card and taking pub hours to extra time so fans can get another round in without missing a single kick.”The home secretary has the legislative powers to extend pub opening hours on occasions of “exceptional international, national or local significance”.The decision follows a six-week public consultation, launched by the government, on extending pub licensing hours to allow fans to come together and support teams.
