Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has confirmed that pubs across the country will be permitted to remain open until 2am during World Cup fixtures involving England or Scotland.
The announcement, which ministers say will boost trade for hospitality venues while bringing communities together for one of the world's biggest sporting occasions, covers 13 potential matches from the knockout stages.
Government officials revealed that the new arrangements will enable supporters to watch up to three additional games in their local without venues having to seek special permission.
The move marks the first time in 10 years that such extended licensing hours have been granted for home nation knockout matches.
Under the expanded trading rules, establishments will be able to serve customers for an additional two hours beyond normal closing times, with the specific extension depending on kick-off times.
Matches beginning between 5pm and 9pm will see last orders pushed back to 1am, while fixtures starting from 9pm onwards will allow pubs to remain open until 2am.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has confirmed that pubs across the country will be permitted to remain open until 2am during World Cup fixtures involving England or Scotland
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The extended hours apply to all knockout stages should England or Scotland progress, encompassing the round of 32, round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.
Similar licensing relaxations were previously introduced for the Women's Euro 2025 and the Men's Euro 2024 final.
The World Cup features an expanded format with 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four | GETTYLATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood wants fans to stay in the pub for as long as possible
| PAAnnouncing the decision, Mahmood explained the impact it will have.
"If our boys are on the pitch, we want our fans to stay in the pub," she said.
"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."
England and Scotland fans will be cheering their countries on at the World Cup this summer
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Representatives from the hospitality industry praised the government's decision.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive 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."
McClarkin added that reducing red tape was a positive step but called for further cuts to regulatory burdens and costs.
Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, described the World Cup as the "centrepiece of this year's summer of sport" and predicted packed venues throughout the tournament. Business groups said the extended hours would drive revenue and support jobs.