The British government announced on Monday that pubs across England and Wales will be allowed to serve alcohol on pavements and stay open later during the 2026 World Cup. The move, aimed at accommodating late‑night kick‑offs in the United States , Mexico and Canada, follows pressure from fans and the hospitality sector.

Extended licences let pubs serve until 2 a.m. for late matches

Under the new rules, any venue with a standard 11 p .m. licence can keep serving drinks until 1 a.m. when a game starts bewteen 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. BST, and until 2 a.m. for fixtures beginning after 9 p.m., according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). This covers England’s group‑stage games in Dallas, Boston and New Jersey, which all fall after typical closing times.

Communities Secretary Steve Reed urges councils to stop being ‘the fun police’

Steve Reed is expected to send a letter to local leaders urging “sensible” approval of special event notices and warning against unnecessary rejections.. The government says it will hold authorities accountable if they delay applications,a stance echoed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who warned that red tape should not stop fans from enjoying a “pavmeent pint in the sunshine”.

Pavement licence terms to be lengthened beyond two years

MHCLG also plans to extend the maximum duration of pavement licences, which currently expire after two years, and to consult on a minimum term that does not exist today. The change is intended to give businesses greater certainty when investing in outdoor seating, a point highlighted by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds as part of a “common‑sense” approach to noise and local concerns.

Scotland faces 2 a.m. kicoff for its opening match

While England’s fixtures start at more manageable times, Scotland’s first game against Haiti in Boston begins at 2 a.m. BST on 14 June, creating a unique challenge for Scottish pubs. The temporary measures are designed to let fans gather without premature closures, but councils will still balance licensing with community impact.

What remains unclear about council enforcement?

The source does not specify how many local authorities have already approved the special event notices, nor does it detail any criteria they will use to judge “sensible” applications. Additionally, the timeline for the consultation on longer pavement licences is not provided,leaving pubs uncertain about the long‑term benefits of the policy.