Pubs across the country have been permitted to stay open until the early hours for England’s Round of 16 match against Mexico.
The fixture kicks-off at 1am on Monday, July 6, which equates to 6pm in Mexico City.
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Current laws mean venues can only extend hours until 2am for any fixtures that start by 10pm.
While the Home Office previously granted pubs special dispensation to extend licensing hour for the tournament, the late-night Mexico clash had not qualified.
That meant landlords had to submit a ‘Temporary Event Notice’ to their local council to remain open until 3:30am, in case the match is forced into extra-time or penalties.
Some venues had their applications rejected because they failed to submit them within the ‘five-working days’ window – a blow to England fans seeking to watch the game and for pubs hoping to capitalise on the extra trade.
However, the Prime Minister has stepped in to pass emergency legislation that will permit bars and pubs to stay open until the end of the Mexico clash.
Keir Starmer has announced alcohol licensing hours will be extended for the late-night game until 5am without the need for premises to apply for an extension.
Announcing his parting gift to the nation before he exits No.10, the PM said: “Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to.
“Pubs staying open till the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together. The whole country will be backing the team. Come on England!”
The unusual timing has also prompted supporters to ask Starmer to call for a snap bank holiday Monday so the nation can recover from the high-stakes clash.
However, the government has so far refused a day off.
What have people said?
The England manager has begged parents to allow their children to stay up to watch the game.
Thomas Tuchel said: “Write an excuse for school and let them watch. There’s so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch.
“There will be a big match in four days, and we need the support of everyone, especially the children.”
But Starmer has stopped short of endorsing that idea.
A spokesperson for 10 Downing Street said: “It is up to parents to make their own decisions. We want everyone to enjoy the game but children should be at school on Monday.
“The education minister Jacqui Smith put it very well. She is having a disco nap on Sunday and then back at work next day… the prime minister is facing the same dilemma as everyone else on whether to stay up.”
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Baroness Smith had said earlier: “I don’t want to be a killjoy here, but I’ll tell you what the biggest killjoy is – young people who then don’t have the learning to be able to go on and do what they need to do in life.
“I quite understand if people want to watch the match, including young people, I will be.
“I’ll be having a little disco nap in the afternoon and I’ll be celebrating our victory the next morning when I go into work, looking obviously as fresh as a daisy.”
Crazy England kick-off times
The previous five international tournaments have suited England’s time zone, with Qatar 2022 being deemed ‘perfect’ with a schedule of games ranging from 10am to 8pm.
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Russia, South Africa and Germany run on a similar time zone to the UK and even Brazil 2014 was adapted towards a European audience, with the latest kick-off time being 11pm.
The last-time scheduling heavily impacted the Three Lions fans was during the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
Some matches began as early as at 6:30am, with the latest fixture of the day ending around lunchtime.
Even the last time the competition was hosted in North America, the schedule was not as dramatic for the English.
At the 1994 and 1986 World Cups, broadcast times ranged more comfortably from 7pm to 10pm.
How to check if your local pub is open
To ensure the match is being shown, make sure to check your local venue’s social media pages.
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It may be rare for an establishment to screen the game, so if any pubs manage to secure the correct licensing, they will be loudly advertising.
As soon as you find one, make sure to book a table because spaces will be snapped up quickly.
How do I watch from home?
The match will be on eSPORTY at 1am (BST) on 6 July.
Tune in to eSPORTY through the website via the live stream or find us on DAB digital radio through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Download and listen to all our live commentaries via the eSPORTY app.
Then watch all the reaction to the action with eSPORTY on Samsung TV Plus.
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