The Wharf Tavern in Hockley Heath, a Midland pub that was initially refused permission to open late for England's 1am World Cup clash with Mexico, has reacted with delight after the Prime Minister intervened to grant a blanket extension.
PM's Intervention
Sir Keir Starmer last night announced that pubs could stay open until 5am to show the match, overriding previous refusals by local councils. The decision came after widespread protests from pubs and mounting political pressure.
The Wharf Tavern posted on Facebook: "Firstly a huge thank you to all the support we have received! Can't thank you all enough! All the posts, messages emails sent it means the world to us. Secondly, we will be open for the game."
Initial Refusal
The pub had originally been told by Solihull Council that it could not screen Monday's match because it had not applied for permission early enough, even though the fixture was not confirmed until England beat DR Congo on Wednesday night. The Wharf expressed disappointment, stating: "We are extremely disappointed that our temporary event notice application to open later than usual on Sunday 6/Monday 7 for the 1am kick-off England v Mexico game has been refused. Refused due to not giving enough notice."
Political Pressure
Meriden and Solihull East's Saqib Bhatti had written to the Prime Minister requesting a one-off national licensing extension so fans could watch the last 16 game to the end, which would be around 3.30am if it went to penalties. The match was not covered by previous measures that extended pub hours for England matches until 2am.
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed had earlier urged councils to approve extended hours applications, saying: "There are still some councils that are saying no to pubs, and my message to those councils is please say yes, do everything you can to get those doors open and the fans inside and I will back you all the way."
Prime Minister's Statement
Sir Keir Starmer said: "Football might be coming home but we're making sure fans don't have to. Pubs staying open till the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together. The whole country will be backing the team. Come on England!"
The blanket extension means individual pubs no longer need to apply for extended hours. Mr Reed has written to council leaders informing them of the changes.
Pub's Frustration
Before the PM's intervention, The Wharf had expressed frustration, saying: "It feels like small pubs are being made to jump through hoops while being given very little support in return. Pubs are constantly told how important they are to local communities, yet when we try to create a responsible community event, bring people together, and generate much-needed trade, we are shut down."
The pub added: "We fully respect the need for licensing rules, public safety, and local residents' peace. But where is the balance? Where is the common sense? Where is the recognition a small semi-rural pub is not the same as a city-centre nightclub?"
Impact on Small Pubs
The Wharf Tavern, located at 2390 Stratford Rd, Hockley Heath, Solihull B94 6QT, highlighted the challenges faced by small pubs: "We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for fair, proportionate treatment. To everyone who has joined us for the previous fixtures and we are sorry. We tried. The Wharf will continue to stand up for our pub, our customers, and the role local pubs play in keeping communities alive. But these days this is getting harder and harder to do with rising costs, stricter rules, and a general lack of support for the industry as a whole."
