THE UK Government has rejected calls for a blanket extension to licensing hours to allow England fans to watch the team’s next World Cup game in the pub.
England will face Mexico next in the Round of 16 at the Fifa World Cup after beating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1, with the game to kick off at 1am on Monday, June 6.
While the UK Government has passed measures to allow pubs to stay open until 2am for England matches in the knockout stages that kick off between 9pm and 10pm, this does not apply to Monday’s match.
LibDem MP Max Wilkinson called for a blanket extension to licensing hours for the match during business and trade questions in the House of Commons on Thursday.
He said: “Harry Kane’s heroics last night means that many England fans are looking forward to an early morning or a late night, depending on one’s perspective, on Monday, and this is a good thing.
“But pubs risk missing out on a real opportunity to get more money into the till if ministers do not make a blanket extension for licensing hours.
“Will ministers consider that with their colleagues in other departments, so fans can enjoy the game in the pub?”
Responding, business minister Kate Dearden paid tribute to “the incredible Harry Kane, our captain, for his performance last night”, adding: “He absolutely calmed my blood pressure, and [I] will be championing the boys on Sunday.”
However, she added: “He will know that pubs can stay open for an extra two or three hours, depending on how late the match starts, so that pubs can still open as the game finishes.
“Regarding Sunday, unfortunately that doesn’t apply with the 1am start, but going forwards we’re absolutely backing our pubs, so people can watch and support our lads, and it’s coming home hopefully.”
Scotland’s first World Cup game against Haiti kicked off at 2am on June 14. Pubs were allowed extended opening hours to show the match, and the Scottish Government created a one-off bank holiday to celebrate the occasion.
