02 jul 2026
Starmer considers letting pubs stay open for England v Mexico match after backlash

Government seeks workaround after licensing rules threaten to force pubs to shut before World Cup tie finishes World Cup live latest updates UK politics live latest updates Keir Starmer is exploring ways to keep pubs open into the early hours of Monday after facing backlash over strict licensing rules that would force many venues to close during England’s next World Cup game. The team’s win over the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday night booked a last-16 tie against Mexico that is due to run until at least 3am UK time.
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The government had initially said it would not relax licensing laws further for the World Cup.
bbc news
coverage · 2 outlets
- 18:45bbc news
Pubs allowed to stay open until 5am for England Mexico match
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