Key facts
- UK pubs can apply for extended licensing hours during the World Cup to accommodate late-night matches.
- Venues can stay open until 1am or 2am depending on kick-off times for games involving England and Scotland.
- The actual benefit to pubs is expected to be limited due to match scheduling and potential delays.
- The British Beer and Pub Association forecasts a significant revenue boost from overall World Cup viewership.
- Pubs are facing ongoing challenges from rising costs, business rates, and energy prices.
The UK government has relaxed licensing rules to allow pubs to stay open later on World Cup match days, a move intended to boost the struggling hospitality sector. Venues can apply to extend hours until 1am or 2am for games featuring England and Scotland, depending on kick-off times and tournament progression. This initiative aims to capitalize on the time difference with North American hosts, meaning many key matches will occur during UK evening hours.
However, the practical benefit of these late openings is expected to be limited. The actual number of eligible games for extended hours may be significantly fewer than the theoretical maximum of 13, due to tournament permutations and the progression of home nations. For instance, if England wins its group, its first knockout match kicks off at 5pm, likely concluding well before the extended closing times. Furthermore, pubs with existing Sunday closing times of 10:30pm may face issues during the final, which kicks off at 8pm on a Sunday, potentially requiring special Temporary Events Notices (TENs) that some pubs may have already used.
Despite these limitations, the World Cup as a whole is predicted to provide a substantial revenue boost for pubs. The British Beer and Pub Association forecasts an additional 55 million pints sold, translating to £275 million in revenue. Data from Euro 2024 showed significant sales uplifts during England and Scotland games, and current bookings for this summer are up considerably across the hospitality sector. Over nine million people are expected to watch matches in pubs.
Industry bodies like UK Hospitality acknowledge the positive intent but anticipate only a limited impact from the late hours specifically. Some operators, particularly in suburban areas, worry that late-night screenings could disturb neighbours. The broader challenges facing the pub sector, including rising costs, high business rates, increased wages, and soaring energy bills, remain significant. Many in the industry are advocating for a reduction in VAT from 20% to 10% to provide more substantial relief.