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  "path": "/sport/football/pubs-england-scotland-world-cup",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-13T08:27:47.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Rory McIlroy atones for Erica Stoll mistake after securing second Masters victory",
    "Tyson Fury set to lose millions in tax after bagging huge purse from Arslanbek Makhmudov victory",
    "Scottie Scheffler makes complaint after Rory McIlroy makes history with Masters triumph",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood has confirmed that pubs across the country will be permitted to remain open until 2am during World Cup fixtures involving England or Scotland.\n\nThe announcement, which ministers say will boost trade for hospitality venues while bringing communities together for one of the world's biggest sporting occasions, covers 13 potential matches from the knockout stages.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nGovernment officials revealed that the new arrangements will enable supporters to watch up to three additional games in their local without venues having to seek special permission.\n\nThe move marks the first time in 10 years that such extended licensing hours have been granted for home nation knockout matches.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\nUnder the expanded trading rules, establishments will be able to serve customers for an additional two hours beyond normal closing times, with the specific extension depending on kick-off times.\n\nMatches beginning between 5pm and 9pm will see last orders pushed back to 1am, while fixtures starting from 9pm onwards will allow pubs to remain open until 2am.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe extended hours apply to all knockout stages should England or Scotland progress, encompassing the round of 32, round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.\n\nSimilar licensing relaxations were previously introduced for the Women's Euro 2025 and the Men's Euro 2024 final.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n### LATEST SPORTS NEWS:\n\n\n\n\n  * Rory McIlroy atones for Erica Stoll mistake after securing second Masters victory\n  * Tyson Fury set to lose millions in tax after bagging huge purse from Arslanbek Makhmudov victory\n  * Scottie Scheffler makes complaint after Rory McIlroy makes history with Masters triumph\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAnnouncing the decision, Mahmood explained the impact it will have.\n\n\"If our boys are on the pitch, we want our fans to stay in the pub,\" she said.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"So we're giving pubs and bars an open goal to serve punters long after the last penalty hits the back of the net.\n\n\"We won't have fans coming home before football does.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nRepresentatives from the hospitality industry praised the government's decision.\n\nEmma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: \"There's no place quite like the pub to cheer on our brilliant teams, and being able to open for longer means people can come together, boost community spirit and enjoy a summer of sport.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nMcClarkin added that reducing red tape was a positive step but called for further cuts to regulatory burdens and costs.\n\nKate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, described the World Cup as the \"centrepiece of this year's summer of sport\" and predicted packed venues throughout the tournament. Business groups said the extended hours would drive revenue and support jobs.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Pubs to stay open until 2am for England and Scotland World Cup matches under new rules"
}