Summary
Pubs in England and Wales might stay open until 1 a.m. during the football World Cup next summer if a home nation reaches the quarter-finals or further. The government is seeking public opinions on extending pub hours for key matches due to the time difference with the host countries, which are at least five hours behind the UK.
Key Facts
- Pubs in England and Wales could extend hours to 1 a.m. if a UK team reaches late World Cup stages.
- The World Cup will be hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, meaning time differences for UK fans.
- A public consultation on extending pub hours has been launched and will run for six weeks.
- The Home Secretary has the power to extend pub hours for special events of national significance.
- Past events where pub hours were extended include the Women's 2025 Euro and the Men's 2024 Euro.
- The extension would apply only to England and Wales, not Scotland or Northern Ireland.
- Hospitality industry leaders support the extension as beneficial for business and national excitement.
- A decision on extending pub hours will follow after the consultation ends in January.
