UK pub rules for the World Cup – what you should know

Football fans will be able to watch England and Scotland’s World Cup knockout matches in pubs open into the early hours this summer.

This comes after the government extended licensing hours and called on councils to fast-track applications for late opening, special screenings and beer garden events. Here is what is changing.

How late pubs can stay open

Pubs can stay open until 1am for England or Scotland matches in the knockout stages that kick off between 5pm and 9pm, and until 2am for kick-offs between 9pm and 10pm.

The relaxation applies automatically to licensed premises in England and Wales without venues needing to apply individually, and covers the tournament period, which runs from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The call on councils

Communities Secretary Steve Reed called on local leaders to deal quickly with sensible applications for pubs to open later and hold special screenings and events in beer gardens.

Local authorities are being asked to sign off as many requests for Temporary Event Notices as possible, though councils will make the final decisions and must balance other factors.

The government said authorities that unnecessarily block people from getting together, or hold up applications, will be held to account.

“The best World Cup moments are the ones we watch together, and for every England game we need to pack out our local pubs and get them buzzing,” Reed said.

“We’re asking councils to support as many applications for special events as possible, because the last thing any of us want to see is people being turfed indoors half-way through penalties. So let’s show the fun police the red card, get behind England and back our pubs. This time, it really could be coming home.”

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “With some councils imposing pub garden closing times based on strict noise concerns, we’re asking them to apply a common sense approach during our crucial knockout matches so fans can back our team and support their local pubs.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Nothing brings us all together like a World Cup summer and cheering on England in a packed pub with everyone glued to the game. Red tape should not get in the way of fans enjoying the game with friends and local pubs doing a great trade too. A pavement pint in the sunshine discussing the agony of penalties and soaking up the atmosphere is what pubs are all about and we are backing them.”

Changes to outdoor serving

The government also set out plans to make it easier for pubs to serve food and drink outside in future. Businesses currently have to reapply repeatedly for a pavement licence to serve outdoors, at a renewal cost of £350.

The government said it will increase the maximum term length for pavement licences and consult on a minimum term length, with councils still deciding the exact duration of specific licences.

The measures build on the £5.8 billion Pride in Place programme, which the government said is backing local people to drive regeneration in almost 380 areas.

Which matches qualify

England and Scotland have already qualified for the tournament. If England progress from their group, their first knockout fixture would fall on 1 or 2 July, while Scotland’s first knockout match would be on 29 June.

Matches kicking off before 5pm or after 10pm do not benefit from the national extension.

Now read: Late kick-offs will change how Brits watch the World Cup