Pubs in England and Wales can now stay open until 5 AM on Monday to allow fans to watch the World Cup match between England and Mexico. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the U-turn on licensing laws, which was welcomed by industry leaders.
The UK government is considering extending pub opening hours beyond current World Cup relaxations for England's 1am Monday match against Mexico. Business Minister Kate Dearden initially ruled it out, but the Prime Minister is now reviewing, with councils encouraged to approve late opening applications.
Lidl has opened its first pub, The Middle Ale, in Northern Ireland, a move driven by the region's strict licensing laws. The supermarket had to overcome legal hurdles, including the 'surrender principle' and the 'inadequacy' test, to obtain a license for a pub, which it passed due to recent bar closures.
