Wider licence extensions for pubs during World Cup

Football fans following England or Scotland in this summer's World Cup can now count on celebrating or commiserating in the pub after more of their big matches in the knockout stages - after the government announced a further tweak to licensing rules in England and Wales.

The Home Office had already ruled that pubs could open beyond their usual hours around some matches, to take account of the wide range of kick-off times at the tournament, which is being played in the US, Canada and Mexico this June and July.

But in a small change, it has now confirmed that this will now apply even for matches which are screened earlier in the evening, which England and Scotland are guaranteed in their first knockout match if either wins their respective group.

A previous relaxation of the licensing laws had covered most scenarios for which England or Scotland would face in the knockout rounds and the government's update only affects those two potential matches and one more in the last 16.

The latest announcement means pubs can stay open until 01:00 BST for England or Scotland matches in the knockout stages that kick off between 17:00 and 21:00 and until 02:00 for kick-offs between 21:00 and 22:00.

Alcohol licensing is a devolved issue in Scotland - and individual local authorities are considering their own extensions for licensed venues, dealing in particular with the knotty problem that the side's opening match against Haiti is one of the tournament's 02:00 BST kick-offs.

The World Cup kicks off in June, across the various time zones in the three host nations, which are all at least five hours behind the UK.

The three early evening kick-offs that could arise in the knockout stages are:

• If Scotland win their group they will play at 18:00 BST in Houston on Monday 29 June
• If England win their group they will play at 17:00 BST in Atlanta on Wednesday 1 July
• If Scotland come second in their group AND win their last-32 match they will play at 18:00 BST in Houston on Saturday 4 July

Neither Wales nor Northern Ireland have qualified, after losing matches in the play-off semi-finals - but even pubs in those nations know that weeks of international football played out on summer nights have been a good crowd-puller and money-spinner in previous World Cups.

Industry bosses have welcomed the latest move - Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night-Time Industries Association, called it a "welcome boost" for the sector.

The head of the British Beer and Pub Association, Emma McClarkin, said the extension would allow people to "come together, boost community spirit and enjoy a summer of sport".

The original opening hour extensions followed a six-week public consultation which opened in December.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: "If our boys are on the pitch, we want our fans to stay in the pub.

"So we're giving pubs and bars an open goal to serve punters long after the last penalty hits the back of the net."

The home secretary has the legislative powers to extend pub opening hours on occasions of "exceptional international, national or local significance".

Get our flagship newsletter with all the headlines you need to start the day. Sign up here.