Pubs to Toast England’s World Cup Success
Pubs across England and Wales could be serving pints until 1am if the Three Lions reach the quarter-finals, semi-finals, or final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thanks to a proposed extension of opening hours by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. This measure is particularly timely as the tournament, which will be held across the US, Canada, and Mexico, is likely to see games kick off in the cooler evenings. Mahmood’s proposal aims to cater to the anticipated late-night fervor of football fans, potentially boosting the spirits and the economy in the process.
A Festival of Pints and Patriotic Spirit
With the draw scheduled to take place in Washington DC this week, and kick-off times to be confirmed on Saturday, the excitement is already building. The tournament, scheduled to run for a month starting next June, is expected to see a staggering 55 million pints consumed in the UK. This staggering figure underscores the cultural significance of the event and the communal joy it brings. Emma McClarkin, from the British Beer and Pub Association, emphasizes that there is no better place than the pub to experience matches of such national importance. These venues are not just places to drink but communal spaces where fans can come together to share in the thrill of the game.
Economic and Social Boost
The extension of pub hours is a welcome move for the hospitality sector, which has been grappling with rising energy bills, higher National Insurance Contributions, and minimum wage hikes. Kate Nicholls, from UKHospitality, highlights the potential economic benefits, noting that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar gave a 0.1 per cent boost to UK growth in November. Analysts like Danni Hewson at AJ Bell also point out that a strong World Cup performance can lead to increased consumer spending, positively impacting the economy. This “feel-good factor” is particularly significant given the current economic challenges, and it could provide a much-needed lift to the spirits of the nation.
Community and Celebration
For pub owners and landlords, the World Cup is a golden opportunity to bring people together. Lawson Mountstevens, the boss of Star Pubs, notes that events like the World Cup typically see a 20 per cent increase in trade. Mike Dove, who runs the Three Horseshoes in Witney, Oxfordshire, is enthusiastic about the prospect of hosting grand parties if England progresses to the latter stages. “We’ll put a heck of a party on if England make the final stages and serve as late as we’re allowed to,” Dove says. However, he also emphasizes the immediate need for additional support, adding, “But we also need help now.”
Fan Reactions and Broad Support
Fans are generally supportive of the extended opening hours, though some, like Steve Robinson, a plasterer from Feltham, West London, argue that the extended hours should apply from the start of the tournament. “Why should we have to wait till the quarter and semis — we may not be in the tournament by then,” Robinson says. This sentiment reflects a broader desire for a prolonged celebration of the sport, underlining the importance of football in British culture. The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has the authority to extend operating times for occasions of significant international, national, or local importance, a power she has used on previous occasions, including the Women’s Euros final this year and last year’s Men’s Euros final.
A Promise to Extend the Party
Mahmood’s proposal is part of a broader effort to create a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere around the World Cup. “Our nations’ pubs are going into extra time,” she declares, highlighting the unique role these establishments play in fostering community and celebrating national achievements. “This World Cup could be the first in over 60 years with every home nation there. If any nation reaches the final stages, we will extend licensing hours. The party won’t end before the final whistle is blown,” Mahmood adds, with a personal note of optimism: “And in a personal capacity, I would like to add . . . It’s coming home.” This sentiment captures the collective hope and excitement of a nation eagerly anticipating the upcoming tournament.
