Many pubs are expected to remain closed for England’s World Cup match against Mexico despite a decision permitting them to stay open until 5am.
Sir Keir Starmer confirmed on Thursday that pubs across England and Wales could extend their hours for the round of 16 match, which kicks off at 1am on Monday.
The blanket extension, which followed calls from MPs for leeway beyond the standard 2am World Cup opening hours, means individual pubs do not need to apply for special licences.
However, some pub owners have cited issues with arranging staffing and being located in residential areas will mean they will remain closed.
A spokesperson for Wetherspoons said “only five of the 800 Wetherspoon pubs will be open” for the match.
Greene King, which has 2,600 pubs, restaurants and hotels across the UK, said over 600 pubs across England would be staying open late to show the match.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said earlier this year that the number of pubs in the UK had fallen from 46,829 in 2020 to 44,656 in 2025.
Tommy Higgs, co-owner of The Three Horseshoes pub in Witney, Oxfordshire, said they would not be opening for the England match.
Speaking to LBC, Mr Higgs said: “We’re in a built-up community around here, and I think it’s just a little bit disrespectful for our locals to have that sort of noise at 5am.”
The publican added: “No one’s going to want to work until five in the morning.
“We’re not a nightclub, we’re a local pub in a small town, and I am not allowed to annoy my neighbours because I’ll be into holy hell with that.
“A lot of our staff have second jobs. We employ a couple of full-timers, but mainly part-time, and I would never expect that of them.”
Discussing the Government’s decision to loosen restrictions, Mr Higgs said: “For some, I think it’s a huge benefit, especially in your bigger built-up cities, where there are places that open later, but for here and where we are, it’s just not something that we will do.
“There are other things they can be doing to help the pub trade out – staying open until five o’clock in the morning on a Monday – for some is a benefit, but for others it’s just completely pointless, really.”
Andrew Gallagher, brand and marketing director at Greene King, said: “We’re delighted to have been granted permission to stay open late as England progress through the tournament.
“There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere in our pubs and it gives fans the chance to come together, soak up the occasion and hopefully celebrate!
“We know this will be a popular match, so urge guests to secure their spot as soon as possible.”
England will face Mexico in the last 16 after beating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 on Wednesday.
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