Meriden and Solihull East MP Saqib Bhatti has written to the Prime Minister requesting a one-off national licensing extension to allow pubs to stay open late for England's 1am World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico on Monday, July 6. The match could extend until around 3.30am if it goes to penalties, but several pubs have been denied permission by councils due to late applications.
Pubs caught out by timing
The fixture was only confirmed after England beat DR Congo in the last 32 on Wednesday, July 1. However, licensing deadlines had already passed, leaving pubs like The Wharf Tavern in Hockley Heath unable to secure extended hours. Solihull Council rejected its bid due to insufficient notice.
The match falls outside current measures that allow pub hours to be extended until 2am for England matches, and would surpass that time anyway.
Government urged to act
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed on Thursday, July 2, urged councils to approve extended hours applications. In a video posted to X, he said: “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.”
Mr Bhatti said: "Pubs across Meriden and Solihull East have been caught out by licensing deadlines that passed before anyone knew England would reach this stage. They shouldn't miss out through no fault of their own. Football brings our country together like nothing else. Our brilliant local pubs should be at the heart of that, supporting communities, backing local businesses, and cheering on the Three Lions. I hope the Government acts quickly."
Council and pub responses
Solihull Council said: "While we want everyone in Solihull to be able to enjoy England's World Cup run, and all our licensed venues to benefit from the boost it brings, we are bound by the law when it comes to granting licences for events like this."
The Wharf Tavern expressed disappointment on social media, 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. Even though the game wasn't official until after the Panama game and still not concrete as DR Congo will want to have something to say about England's progression."
The pub added: "Once again, 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. 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 local businesses
The Wharf Tavern concluded: "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."
