How late can pubs stay open during the World Cup in Leeds? Rules for England vs Mexico
It is going to be a very late kick-off for our next game 😴
Harry Kane’s late heroics secured a spot in the round of 16 for England, as they avoided a shock defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Three Lions fell behind to an early first half goal - and for much of the game looked like they could suffer an early exit from the World Cup. However, two strikes from the captain saved Thomas Tuchel’s blushes.
England will travel to Mexico City to face co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium with a quarter-final place on the line. The match is set to kick-off on Sunday night local time, but for the fans back home it won’t begin until the early hours of Monday (July 6).
The match is due to start at 1am British time and with the possibility of extra time or penalties, it could be a very late finish indeed. Fans packed pubs in Leeds last night (July 1) to watch the England game and many might already be thinking ahead to the round of 16.
For those who are wanting to head into the city for the Mexico match, you might be wondering what the rules around pub opening hours will be.
Before the start of the tournament, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood agreed to extend opening hours for the knockout rounds of the tournament. It was announced that pubs could stay open to as late as 2am, but that would only take it to the end of the first half on Monday morning.
Fortunately, it was also confirmed that pubs can apply for a temporary licence for any very late kick-offs that could finish beyond 2am, given the time difference.
It is the first time in a decade that the relaxation of alcohol licensing hours will apply to the round of 32 and 16.
Ms Mahmood said: “With later kick‑offs at this year’s World Cup, we don’t want pubs to blow the final whistle before the winning goal.
“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.
“We’re toasting our boys at the World Cup and our locals this summer.
“Fans won’t need to go home, before football’s come home.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “When our home nations do well in the World Cup, it’s not just good for fans – it’s good for the economy.
“Backing later opening for pubs means more trade for local businesses, more jobs supported on our high streets and less red tape for landlords, so big games can give a real boost to growth.”
England manager Thomas Tuchel has urged families to put football before school on Monday.
“Write an excuse for school and let them watch football,” Tuchel pleaded after Harry Kane’s two late goals saw England squeeze through the round of 32.
“Come on. There’s so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch.
“There will be a big, big match on in four days and we need the support of everyone, and especially of the children.”