Pubs in Birmingham's Hall Green neighbourhood have expressed regret after deciding not to screen England's late-night World Cup match against Mexico. The game, kicking off at 1am on Monday, July 6, posed a challenge for venues due to its timing.
Baldwin Arms Explains Company Decision
The Baldwin Arms, a Hungry Horse pub in Hall Green, took to social media to announce it would not show the match. In a statement, the pub said: 'We're really sorry to let you know that we will no longer be showing the England game at 1am.' The decision, made at the company level, aimed to respect local residents and followed consultation with authorities.
The pub added: 'We know how disappointing this will be, particularly for those of you who have made plans and booked with us to watch the game.' They emphasised that the choice was not made by the local team, stating: 'We want to be clear that this is a company decision and not one that has been made by the team here at the pub.'
Other Pubs Follow Suit
The Bull's Head, another Hall Green establishment, also announced it would not open late for the fixture. In a message to customers, they said: 'Dear football fans, unfortunately due to the timing of the next England match, we will not be staying open later to show it. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.'
The decision reflects a broader trend among pubs in the area, prioritising community relations over late-night operations.
Government Policy on Pub Hours
Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously given pubs the option to extend hours for England games, but the 1am kick-off proved a step too far for many venues. The Baldwin Arms cited 'careful consideration' and 'consultation with the relevant authorities' in their decision-making process.
England fans in Birmingham now face limited options to watch the match live, with only a few pubs expected to remain open. The Baldwin Arms encouraged customers to join them for future games, saying: 'We're genuinely sorry to disappoint you. We know how much everyone was looking forward to watching England together and really appreciate your understanding.'
