FANS will be free to party until 2am as pubs win extra time for World Cup showdowns, it has been confirmed.
The Sun reported exclusively in February that Home Secretary was planning to rip up and give punters more time to celebrate during home nation matches.
Fans will be free to party until 2am as pubs win extra time for World Cup showdowns, it has been confirmedCredit: Alamy
Ministers say the change will help boost trade for and bring communities together during one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
Under expanded trading time rules announced today, pubs will be allowed to stay open an extra two hours until 1am for round of 32 and round of 16 games kicking off between 5pm and 9pm.
Later matches starting from 9pm up until and including 10pm will push last orders back to 2am.
Ministers confirmed that in total, 13 potential matches involving or would be covered by the extended opening times.
Officials say the new plans will allow supporters to watch up to three additional matches in pubs without venues needing to apply for special permission.
It is the first time in a decade that pubs and bars will be allowed to stay open later if the home nations reach any of the round of 32 and 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and final.
Similar extensions were previously granted for the tournament and the Men’s Euro 2024 final.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “If our boys are on the pitch, we want our fans to stay in the pub.
“So we’re giving pubs and bars an open goal to serve punters long after the last penalty hits the back of the net.
“We won’t have fans coming home before football does.”
Industry leaders welcomed the decision, saying it would provide a much-needed boost to the hospitality sector.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “There’s no place quite like the pub to cheer on our brilliant teams, and being able to open for longer means people can come together, boost community spirit and enjoy a summer of sport.
“The government cutting red tape is a really positive step in helping the sector and must go hand in hand with reducing regulatory burdens and costs so our locals can continue to be places for people to gather under one roof to celebrate moments of national significance.
Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, said pubs and bars would be packed with supporters cheering on the home nations during what she described as the “centrepiece of this year’s summer of sport”.
Business groups said the extended opening times would help drive revenue, support jobs and keep the match day atmosphere going long after the final whistle.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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