Cruyff turn: Starmer allows pubs to stay open for England World Cup game
Sir Keir Starmer has performed a Cruyff turn as he announced that pubs would be able to stay open until 5am for England’s game against Mexico on late Sunday night.
Before the change in policy, pubs were set to be forced to kick punters out at half time in the early hours of Monday morning.
But the Prime Minister has now intervened and used a statutory power to allow pubs to stay open for the event of “national significance”. Pubs will not have to apply for a licence.
Prime Minister Starmer said: “Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to.
“Pubs staying open until the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together.
“The whole country will be backing the team. Come on England!”
The Three Lions secured their place in the Round of 16 after beating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 on Wednesday night. The game against Mexico is set to be played in the 87,0000-capacity Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which is seven hours behind the UK.
The measure will be laid out in parliament tomorrow despite MPs not having to attend the chamber.
Pubs set for battering
Several pubs had been granted extended opening hours to show more World Cup games, an industry source said, but some establishments had had their 5am extension requests denied by local councils.
Only a small number of venues, such as nightclubs that can show football, were set to be able to show the crucial Round of 16 game.
The government has been urged to grant one extra special licence to allow fans to watch at pubs.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: ”Pubs and fans will be over the moon about this decision, because we all know the best place to watch the match is down the local.
“This tournament is hugely important for our sector, so we’re delighted the Government listened to our concerns and acted so quickly. Now we can carry on being the home of live sport and welcoming fans through the door.”