Pubs across England and Wales will be permitted to stay open until 05:00 on Monday so fans can watch England’s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico through to the end.
The game in Mexico City starts at 01:00 UK time, with the finish expected no earlier than 03:00.
The government had initially ruled out any further relaxation of licensing rules for the tournament, but later on Thursday Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reversed course, confirming venues could trade until the final whistle. He said the move benefits both supporters and the hospitality sector, quipping that while football may be coming home, fans won’t have to.
Industry groups praised the change. Emma McClarkin of the British Beer and Pub Association said pubs are the ideal place to watch the match, while Michael Kill of the Night Time Industries Association called the decision great news that operators would warmly welcome.
Greene King announced that more than 600 of its pubs in cities including Birmingham, Bristol, London, Carlisle, Liverpool and Folkestone will open late for the fixture.
Licensing hours had already been extended for the World Cup: from 23:00 to 01:00 for kick-offs between 17:00 and 21:00, and up to 02:00 for matches starting between 21:00 and 22:00. Those earlier changes followed a six-week public consultation launched in December.
Normally, individual pubs must apply to their local council for extended hours at least five working days in advance.