Pubs could stay open later during next year’s World Cup

The Government has launched a six-week consultation to look into whether it should extend pub licensing hours in England and Wales during the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.

Licensing rules are already under scrutiny as the Government looks at potential reforms to allow venues to stay open later and hold more live events.

That consultation was met with some scepticism as hospitality businesses continue to argue that they need business rates relief or a new rates model as well as licensing reforms to counter the death of British nightlife that many claim they are facing.

What is the consultation?

The Government has announced it is looking into whether pubs should stay open beyond the usual closing time if a home nation reaches the quarter-finals, semi-finals or final of the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.

It explains: “The consultation proposes a potential extension to licensing hours for the semi-finals and final until 1:00am, if matches kick-off at 9:00pm or earlier.”

This reflects the fact that the tournament is taking place in the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico; and so there is a significant time difference.

This has happened before. The Home Secretary has the legislative power to extend opening hours on occasions of what are deemed to be “exceptional international, national or local significance”. This has included the Women’s 2025 Euro competition, the Men’s 2024 Euro final and Women’s Euro 2022 Final.

Positive response

While the plans are still a consultation at this stage – and not the final whistle – it looks likely that the Government will push for this change. Those in the industry have responded positively, not least because hospitality businesses are widely reported to be suffering a crash in confidence for the future, and this is a potential boon for them.

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “The pub has and always will be the home of live sport and there’s no better place to gather under one roof during moments of huge national significance and make memories.

“Our sector plays a huge part in boosting community spirit and extending licensing hours will mean that people can gather for longer at their local to cheer on our brilliant teams.”

Kate Nicholls, the Chair of UKHospitality, has been a most vocal advocate for sweeping changes to help the industry. In June, she spoke about how tax hikes had hit profit margins, and spoke out this week about the proposed tourist tax that could be imposed by mayors.

However, she says that this new consultation will not only “…generate the best atmosphere for fans, but it can provide a real boost for hospitality businesses”.

The consultation will now run until January 2026 and the Government says that the Home Office will make a decision “once responses have been reviewed”.