Pubs to Open Late for Home Nations World Cup Knockout Games
Pubs across England and Wales are set to extend their opening hours for the home nations’ knockout matches during this summer’s men’s World Cup.
Key Details on Late Opening Hours
– Extended Hours: Initially, the UK government announced extended hours only for the semi-finals and final. Now, this has been expanded to include any knockout game featuring England, Scotland, and, if they qualify, Wales or Northern Ireland.
– Local Regulations: In Scotland, where alcohol licensing is managed by local authorities, each of the 32 councils will assess their pub opening times for the tournament. The same applies to Northern Ireland due to devolved licensing powers.
– World Cup Timing: The tournament kicks off in June in the US, Canada, and Mexico, which are at least five hours behind UK time.
– Licensing Details:
– Pubs in England and Wales can remain open until 01:00 for knockout matches.
– For matches starting at 22:00, closing time is extended to 02:00.
– Pubs can apply for a temporary license for especially late kick-offs.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the desire for fans to enjoy the matches without interruptions, stating, “With later kick-offs at this year’s World Cup, we don’t want to blow the final whistle before the winning goal.”
The Public’s Voice
This decision follows a six-week public consultation aimed at enhancing fan experiences during the tournament. The British Beer and Pub Association hailed the announcement as a win for pubs, jobs, and community spirit.
Who’s Competing?
– Qualified Teams: Both England and Scotland have secured their spots in the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19.
– Playoffs: Wales and Northern Ireland still have the chance to qualify through upcoming playoffs, where 16 teams will contend for four available slots.
– Matchups:
– England is set to face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in Group L.
– Scotland will play Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti, marking their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Local Celebrations
Pubs and bars in Glasgow are expected to stay open throughout the night for World Cup matches, fostering an exciting atmosphere for fans.
In summary, pubs are gearing up to provide extended hours for home nations’ knockout games during the World Cup. With a vibrant atmosphere and community support, these late-night openings will surely enhance the viewing experience. Fans will have every opportunity to cheer on their teams without missing any crucial moments.