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Pubs in England and Wales will now be allowed to stay open until 05:00 on Monday, allowing football fans to watch the Three Lions’ World Cup clash with Mexico to the final whistle.<\/b><\/p>\n
The round-of-16 match in Mexico City kicks off at 01:00 UK time. <\/p>\n
The government had initially said it would not relax licensing laws further than they already have been for the World Cup.<\/p>\n
But in a U-turn later on Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said pubs could stay open until the final whistle.<\/p>\n
Monday’s match is not expected to finish until at least 03:00.<\/p>\n
Sir Keir said the decision was good news for both supporters and pubs.<\/p>\n
“Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to,” he said on Thursday afternoon.<\/p>\n
Publicans and businesses welcomed the change. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “We all know the best place to watch the match is down the local.”<\/p>\n
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, said it was “fantastic news” that would be “hugely welcomed by operators”.<\/p>\n
Greene King pubs said more than 600 of its venues across England would stay open for the game, including in Birmingham, Bristol, London, Carlisle, Liverpool and Folkestone.<\/p>\n