The UK Government has confirmed that pubs in England and Wales can remain open until 30 minutes after the final whistle of England's FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Norway, even if the match is delayed due to extreme weather.
Match Details and Weather Concerns
The Three Lions face Norway at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, with kick-off scheduled for 10pm tonight (Saturday, July 11). However, the US National Weather Service has issued a warning of a 'hazardous heat threat', with temperatures expected to reach 33°C (91°F) and feel as hot as 41°C (106°F). There is also a risk of thunderstorms near kick-off, raising concerns about potential delays similar to England's previous match against Mexico, which was delayed by an hour due to storms.
Extended Licensing Hours
Ministers had already extended opening hours for the game until 2am, but have now introduced flexible licensing laws to allow pubs to stay open until 30 minutes after the match ends. This ensures fans can watch the entire game, even if it starts late due to weather conditions.
Policing minister Sarah Jones said: "England fans deserve the chance to watch every minute of the quarter-final together and that is exactly what our extension guarantees. After the weather delay we saw before the Mexico game, we want to give fans and venues complete certainty that no-one will miss a moment of the action."
Impact on Fans and Venues
The extension applies to all licensed premises in England and Wales, allowing them to serve customers until the match concludes. This move aims to boost attendance at pubs and bars, with hopes of a lively atmosphere as England progresses in the tournament. Jones added: "I hope pubs and bars across England and Wales are packed on Saturday night, as we hopefully move one step closer to bringing football home."
