KEIR Starmer has performed what may be his final U-turn in office by allowing pubs south of the Border to stay open until 5am to show the England-Mexico World Cup game.
The UK Government’s decision to allow pubs to stay open past the 1am kick-off on Monday, June 6 came just hours after a Labour minister said they would not do so.
Business minister Kate Dearden told MPs that although “pubs can stay open for an extra two or three hours, depending on how late the match starts … regarding Sunday, unfortunately that doesn’t apply with the 1am start”.
Hours later, Prime Minister Starmer reversed the decision.
“Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to,” he said.
“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 blanket extension means individual pubs do not need to apply for extended hours.
Communities Secretary Steve Reed has written to council leaders informing them of the changes, which were welcomed by those in the pub trade.
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), said: “This pragmatic approach allows venues to focus on what matters most – bringing communities together to support the national team.
“Major sporting occasions like this deliver a significant boost to hospitality businesses while creating an atmosphere that unites the country.
“As England heads into one of the biggest games of the tournament, let’s get behind the team, support our local venues, and give the country something positive to celebrate.
“We hope this weekend marks not only a memorable occasion for England on the pitch, but also a much-needed boost for our hospitality sector and the communities it serves.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: ”Pubs and fans will be over the moon about this decision, because we all know the best place to watch the match is down the local.
“This tournament is hugely important for our sector, so we’re delighted the Government listened to our concerns and acted so quickly.
“Now we can carry on being the home of live sport and welcoming fans through the door.”
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.
