Despite the government permitting pubs to stay open until 5am for England's World Cup round of 16 match against Mexico, the majority of pubs are expected to remain closed. The match kicks off at 1am on Monday, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that pubs across England and Wales could stay open late without needing individual applications for extended hours.
Pub Owners Cite Staffing and Noise Issues
Many pub owners have decided against opening due to difficulties arranging staffing and concerns about disturbing residents in residential areas. A spokesperson for Wetherspoons confirmed that only five of its 800 pubs will be open for the match. Greene King, which operates 2,600 pubs, restaurants, and hotels across the UK, said over 600 of its pubs would stay open late to show the game.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) reported earlier this year that the number of pubs in the UK has declined from 46,829 in 2020 to 44,656 in 2025.
Local Pub Owner Explains Decision
Tommy Higgs, co-owner of The Three Horseshoes pub in Witney, Oxfordshire, told LBC that they would not be opening for the match. “We’re in a built-up community around here, and I think it’s just a little bit disrespectful for our locals to have that sort of noise at 5am,” he said. “No one’s going to want to work until five in the morning. We’re not a nightclub, we’re a local pub in a small town, and I am not allowed to annoy my neighbours because I’ll be into holy hell with that.”
Higgs added that many of his staff have second jobs and he would not expect them to work such late hours. He acknowledged that the extended hours could benefit pubs in larger cities but said it was “completely pointless” for his establishment.
Greene King Welcomes Decision
Andrew Gallagher, brand and marketing director at Greene King, expressed enthusiasm about the extended hours. “We’re delighted to have been granted permission to stay open late as England progress through the tournament. There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere in our pubs and it gives fans the chance to come together, soak up the occasion and hopefully celebrate! We know this will be a popular match, so urge guests to secure their spot as soon as possible.”
England secured their place in the last 16 by beating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 on Wednesday.
