The World Cup's transatlantic schedule places many matches in the early hours for UK viewers, prompting pubs to consider extended opening hours. The Government has issued guidance to relax licensing rules for these fixtures, while local authorities are urged to process applications quickly. Police warn of extra patrols and a focus on drink-driving, and pubs must still refuse service to intoxicated customers. Venues are preparing but some say very late kick-offs (around 01:00) are not viable.
Late-Night World Cup: Can Pubs Stay Open for Early-Morning Kick‑Offs?
England's group games kick off as late as 22:00 BST [Jon Rowley/Shutterstock]
A football World Cup staged across the United States, Mexico and Canada means many matches will fall in the small hours of the morning for UK viewers. That has left pubs, local authorities and police planning how to balance fan demand with licensing rules and public safety.
Bristol's Prospect Building hopes the World Cup will create a 'festival vibe' [PROSPECT BUILDING]
Kick‑off Times and What They Mean
The tournament opens with Mexico v South Africa at 20:00 BST, but fixtures quickly shift into late-night and early-morning slots: the second match of the competition kicks off at 03:00 BST, and some days feature up to five matches with starts as early as 05:00 or as late as midnight. England's group games are at 21:00 or 22:00 BST, while a potential Round of 16 tie could begin at 01:00 on Monday 6 July. Scotland's schedule includes a 02:00 start against Haiti and 23:00 games versus Brazil and Morocco.
Many football fans enjoy watching England together, such as these supporters at a fanzone in Bristol [Getty Images]
How Venues Are Responding
Venues across the West of England — and nationwide — are preparing to screen as many matches as possible. Bristol's Prospect Building plans to show every England game it can, aiming for a lively, festival-like atmosphere. In Stroud, the Fountain Inn expects to show multiple matches across several screens, while pubs such as the Moonrakers in Pewsey and the Riflemans Arms in Glastonbury are preparing for later openings to capture World Cup trade.
Police say anti-social behaviour and drink driving will be a focus during the tournament [Getty Images]
"We'll be screening [the games], there'll be music...there'll be football commentators and stuff too in the space," said Hope Nolan, general manager of the Prospect Building. "It's just not actually viable" to stay open for the 01:00 round-of-16 tie, she added.
Licensing Guidance And Legal Responsibilities
Earlier in the summer the UK Government issued guidance to relax licensing rules for World Cup fixtures and urged local authorities to process late-opening applications quickly. Under the guidance for the competition, pubs may stay open until 01:00 BST for England or Scotland games that kick off between 17:00 and 21:00 in the group stage, and until 02:00 for kick-offs between 21:00 and 22:00.
Despite relaxed hours, licensing responsibilities remain. Pubs must monitor customers' alcohol consumption and refuse service to anyone who is overly intoxicated. Staff and managers are encouraged to take a cautious approach to safety and crowd control.
Police, Safety And Travel Advice
Avon and Somerset Police said they do not want to "stop people having fun" but stressed that public safety is the priority. Extra patrols will be in place during the tournament, with a particular focus on drink-driving and post-match safety. Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Shields warned that people who drink overnight may still be over the legal limit in the morning and urged supporters to plan ahead.
Practical Tips For Fans And Landlords
- Fans: Check kick-off times in BST before travelling, plan your trip home in advance, and avoid driving if you have been drinking overnight.
- Landlords: Review your licence, consider extra staff for late shifts, coordinate with local authorities on any temporary hours, and enforce refusal-of-service rules consistently.
- Communities: Expect increased footfall around popular fixtures and cooperate with policing plans to keep events safe and enjoyable.
For full match listings and updates, see BBC Sport and local council guidance on temporary event notices and licensing changes.
Help us improve.
