England fans will be able to watch Saturday night’s quarter-final against Norway in pubs and bars even if kick-off is delayed, after the Government moved to extend licensing hours.
Licensed venues in England and Wales will be able to stay open until 30 minutes after the final whistle, ensuring fans can watch the whole match even if there are severe delays, including from extreme weather.
The Three Lions’ quarter-final at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, is due to kick off at 10pm BST on Saturday 11 July.
Licensing hours for hospitality venues across England and Wales had already been extended for this match until 2am.
This further extension gives venues and fans certainty by ensuring there is enough time to show the whole match and post-match celebrations.
It follows England’s last-16 match against Mexico, which kicked off at 2am BST after being delayed by an hour due to storms around the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said:
“England fans deserve the chance to watch every minute of the quarter-final together, and that is exactly what our extension guarantees.
“After the weather delay we saw before the Mexico game, we want to give fans and venues complete certainty that no one will miss a moment of the action.
“I hope pubs and bars across England and Wales are packed on Saturday night, as we hopefully move one step closer to bringing football home.”
The change has been made through new legislation temporarily extending licensing hours for eligible venues.
The same flexibility will apply to England’s remaining matches, including the final, ensuring venues can stay open until 30 minutes after the final whistle if delays occur.
The Home Secretary has the legislative power to extend licensing hours on occasions of “exceptional international, national or local significance”.
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), said: “This is a welcome and pragmatic decision that gives pubs and hospitality businesses the flexibility to make the most of what could be an extended match, while ensuring fans can enjoy the occasion safely and responsibly. Major sporting events provide an important boost for the hospitality sector and the wider night-time economy, and measures like this recognise the vital role venues play in bringing communities together. We welcome this approach and encourage supporters to back their local venues and celebrate responsibly.”
