The UK government is reducing licensing restrictions to allow pubs in England and Wales to serve drinks on pavements and stay open later during the World Cup, responding to calls from fans and businesses to accommodate the tournament's late-night kick-offs.
England football fans are set to enjoy more flexible drinking rules during the upcoming World Cup as pubs across England and Wales receive government backing to serve ' al fresco ' pints.
The initiative aims to allow supporters to celebrate on pavements and in beer gardens with reduced bureaucratic hurdles. Local authorities have been urged to quickly approve applications for special event notices, enabling pubs to extend opening hours and host outdoor screenings. The government has also announced plans to extend the maximum duration of pavement licences from two years, further reducing red tape for businesses.
Under the new arrangements, pubs with standard 11pm alcohol licences can remain open later without applying for an extension when home nations play knockout matches. For games starting between 5pm and 9pm UK time, alcohol service can continue until 1am, and for matches starting between 9pm and 10pm, until 2am.
This flexible timing accommodates the significant time difference between the UK and the host nations-USA, Mexico, and Canada-meaning many matches will broadcast late at night or in the early morning hours in Britain. Communities Secretary Steve Reed is expected to send a letter to local leaders outlining these measures, emphasizing that councils should support 'sensible' applications and not act as 'the fun police' by unnecessarily blocking celebrations.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed this sentiment, stating that red tape should not hinder fans from enjoying the games with friends at local pubs. He highlighted the cultural significance of a 'pavement pint in the sunshine' and expressed hope for a summer of packed pub gardens celebrating England's successes. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds called for a 'common sense' approach from councils, particularly regarding noise concerns during knockout matches.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) will also proceed with plans to change the licensing period for pavement licences. Currently limited to a maximum of two years, the government intends to increase this maximum term and will consult on introducing a minimum term, which does not currently exist. These changes are designed to provide greater certainty for businesses investing in outdoor seating.
While councils retain ultimate authority to balance licensing decisions with local conditions and community needs, the government has indicated it will hold authorities accountable for any unnecessary delays or rejections. The tournament schedule presents specific challenges for Scottish fans, whose first match against Haiti in Boston kicks off at 2am BST on June 14.
England's first group game against Croatia in Dallas starts at 9pm BST on June 17, followed by matches against Ghana in Boston (June 23, 9pm BST) and Panama in New Jersey (June 27, 10pm BST). Scotland's remaining group fixtures are against Morocco in Boston (June 19, 11pm BST) and Brazil in Miami (June 24, 11pm BST).
With many matches falling outside typical trading hours, the temporary measures aim to ensure fans can gather in pubs and outdoor spaces without premature closures, fostering a festive atmosphere throughout the competition
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