Keir Starmer, in a surprise move, announced an extension of licensing hours until 5am for England’s upcoming World Cup knockout match against Mexico. This decision eliminates the need for individual venues to seek special council permissions, allowing hundreds of pubs to stay open late.
Fans gearing up for the high-stakes last 16 match at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City will have to stay awake as the game kicks off at 1am UK time. While many pubs are expected to remain closed, those eager to catch the action on a big screen will need to plan ahead.
As police officials brace for potential issues following the last-minute announcement, football enthusiasts are strategizing where to watch the game as England faces a tough challenge against the unbeaten Mexican team.
While only a handful of Wetherspoon’s pubs will be open, Greene King’s venues are set to welcome customers, along with various independent and chain establishments like Boxpark, Young’s, and Fuller, Smith & Turner.
Several pubs across the UK have already confirmed their plans to open for the England vs Mexico match on Monday morning.