Pubs across England can now stay open until 5 AM local time to celebrate the thrilling World Cup match between England and Mexico. This exciting round-of-16 showdown is set to kick off in Mexico City at 01:00 UK time — that’s right, the excitement will be going late into the night! Initially, the government had stated that they wouldn’t ease licensing laws any further than what was already in place for the World Cup. But in a surprising turn of events, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that pubs can indeed remain open until the final whistle blows.
“Football might be coming home, but we’re making sure fans don’t have to,” Starmer said, emphasizing that the best place to catch the match is down at the local pub. The news was met with cheers from pub operators who see this as a fantastic opportunity to boost business. It’s a move that many believe will be “hugely welcomed” by those running local establishments. Starmer responded to a query from Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson during a session in the House of Commons, underlining the importance of allowing people to enjoy the match in a lively atmosphere.
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed also chimed in, stating that emergency legislation would be pushed through Parliament on Friday to formalize this decision. He emphasized that previous relaxations of licensing measures were crucial for the enjoyment of fans. However, he also cautioned that people shouldn’t drive until they’re fully rested and hydrated, hinting that this might mean waiting until much later in the day to get behind the wheel. Rod Dennis, a spokesperson for the organization, echoed this sentiment, insisting that safety must remain a priority.
Employers are being advised to set clear expectations around work schedules, particularly on match days, but they aren’t obligated to make special accommodations. David D’Souza, the director of the profession, remarked that while the enthusiasm for the World Cup is palpable, standard operating procedures still apply. Will you be cheering on the Three Lions at your local, or maybe hosting a watch party at home?
In other news, some fans faced disappointment as StubHub tickets were abruptly canceled at the last minute. On top of that, concerns loom about how the high altitude of Azteca Stadium might affect England’s performance. And let’s not forget the pubs that are preparing for a rush — some have even faced losses due to licensing refusals related to the match. The tension is palpable, and as the clock ticks down to kickoff, the excitement builds.
Will England rise to the occasion, or will the match take an unexpected turn? We’ll have to wait and see!
Kaynak: Orijinal Haber
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