Pub operators across England have received permission to remain open late for England’s upcoming World Cup match, but the decision has been met with mixed reactions from owners.
Wetherspoons confirmed that only five of its 800 locations will stay open for the game, while Greene King, which runs 2,600 pubs, restaurants and hotels, announced that more than 600 of its venues will extend their hours to accommodate fans.
Not every establishment plans to take advantage of the licence. Tommy Higgs, co‑owner of The Three Horseshoes in Witney, Oxfordshire, said his pub will stay closed, citing concerns about early‑morning noise and the impact on local residents.
Greene King’s brand and marketing director expressed optimism about the extended hours, noting that the atmosphere in its pubs offers fans a communal space to watch and celebrate the match.
England will face Mexico in the last‑16 after defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2‑1. The extended opening times are expected to attract large crowds, prompting venues to advise patrons to book early.
