Starmer’s World Cup late opening plan offers limited relief for British pubs
The UK government has allowed pubs to stay open until 2am on certain World Cup match days to accommodate late kick-offs involving England, Scotland, and Wales. This move aims to boost morale and hospitality revenues during the tournament. However, many pub owners say rising operational costs remain a far greater challenge than extended opening hours.
Why this matters
British pubs have been struggling under high costs, including energy bills, business rates, and wages, leading to closures at a rate of two per day this year. The World Cup offers a rare opportunity to increase sales through late-night football viewings, but the benefits may be limited given the scale of the sector’s financial pressures.
Details of the late opening scheme
- Pubs licensed until 11pm can stay open until 1am for games starting between 5pm and 9pm, and until 2am for 10pm kick-offs.
- In England, late openings apply only from the knockout stages; in Scotland, most councils allow late openings from Scotland’s first World Cup game.
- Games involving home nations could total up to 13 eligible matches, but actual late openings depend on match schedules and progression.
- Some pubs licensed only until 10.30pm on Sundays must apply for a temporary events notice (TEN) to open late, with a July deadline for the World Cup final.
Mixed reactions from the hospitality sector
Some pubs are preparing extensively for the tournament. The Garricks Head in Manchester has increased staff, added screens, and expects to sell tens of thousands of extra pints if England reach the final. However, uncertainty remains over what happens if matches run beyond the permitted closing times due to extra time or penalties.
Paul Crossman, a pub landlord and chair of the Campaign for Pubs, noted that many venues will wait to see demand before committing to late openings. Chris Jowsey of Admiral pubs expressed concerns that late kick-offs might reduce capacity, especially in suburban pubs where outdoor viewing could disturb neighbours.
Kate Nicholls, chair of UK Hospitality, welcomed the late opening but described the benefits as “limited” compared to the sector’s broader challenges.
Economic context and sector challenges
Despite the potential boost from the World Cup, British pubs face significant headwinds:
- Rising costs including energy bills, business rates, minimum wage increases, and national insurance contributions.
- High VAT on hospitality at 20%, compared to lower rates in many European countries, prompting calls for reduction to 10%.
- Closures of pubs continue at a rapid pace, with many landlords struggling to remain profitable.
Some hospitality owners remain pessimistic about government support. Matt Harris, owner of the Planet of the Grapes wine bar chain, criticized the current administration for failing to support growth in the sector.
Projected impact of the World Cup on pubs
The British Beer and Pub Association forecasts an additional 55 million pints sold during the expanded 104-game tournament, generating around £275 million in extra revenue. Previous tournaments saw sales uplifts of 42% during England games and up to 56% for finals. Bookings in pubs and hospitality venues have already increased significantly ahead of the World Cup.
Trade bodies encourage consumers to support independent brewers rather than official sponsors, reflecting a desire to boost local businesses.
Conclusion
While the government’s relaxation of licensing hours for World Cup matches offers some opportunities for pubs to increase revenue, it is unlikely to offset the broader financial pressures facing the hospitality sector. Rising costs and economic challenges remain the primary concerns for landlords, who view late openings as a welcome but insufficient boost.
Recommended reading
For more context, see related Peack News coverage and explainers linked below.
