England vs Mexico: Pubs Can Stay Open Until 5 am – What This Means for Hospitality Businesses

Good news for pubs, bars, and hospitality businesses across England and Wales.

The Government has confirmed that licensed premises will be permitted to remain open until 5 am on Monday, 6th July 2026, for England's FIFA World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico.

With kick-off at 1 am, the extension removes the need for individual venues to apply for temporary licensing extensions, so operators can make the most of one of the biggest nights of the year, while the whole country comes together to support the Three Lions. 

A Welcome Boost for Hospitality

Major sporting events have long brought people through the door for pubs and bars, but none carry the scale of the World Cup. By extending licensing hours, the Government is helping venues around England:

• Increase late-night sales

• Maximise food and drink revenue

• Attract more customers during a major national event

• Cut red tape by scrapping the need for individual licence applications 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the move, describing it as good news for both football fans and venues nationwide.

The announcement has been widely praised across the hospitality sector.

Richard Nolan, Chief Operating Officer at Epos Now, commented:

"Major sporting events like the World Cup are some of the busiest trading periods of the year for hospitality businesses. Extending licensing hours gives operators a valuable opportunity to increase revenue, but it also means being prepared for higher customer volumes, faster service expectations, and longer trading hours.

At Epos Now, we work with thousands of pubs, bars, and restaurants every day, and we know that having the right technology can make all the difference. From processing payments quickly and managing stock in real time to giving operators instant visibility over sales, technology helps venues serve more customers efficiently while delivering a great experience. We're pleased to see the Government recognising the important role hospitality plays in bringing communities together, and we hope this provides a welcome boost for businesses across the country."

Preparing for a Busy Night

For hospitality businesses, extended opening hours present a valuable opportunity, but they also require careful planning.

Operators should consider:

• Scheduling additional staff for late-night trading

• Ensuring sufficient stock of high-demand drinks and food

• Monitoring service speed during peak periods

• Preparing payment systems to handle increased transaction volumes

• Using real-time sales reporting to stay on top of performance throughout the night

A reliable point-of-sale system can make a significant difference during major events, helping venues manage orders efficiently, reduce queues, and gain instant visibility over sales as trading unfolds.

Technology Helps Hospitality Perform at Its Best

Busy trading periods highlight the importance of having technology that supports fast, efficient service.

With Epos Now, hospitality businesses can:

• Process orders and payments quickly

• Accept contactless and mobile payments

• Track sales in real time

• Monitor staff performance

• Manage stock throughout the evening

• Access reporting to understand trading performance after the event

When every minute counts, the last thing your staff should be doing is fighting the system. Smooth, simple operations free them up to focus on what actually matters: the customer in front of them. 

The government's decision recognises hospitality's role in these big cultural moments and gives operators a real opportunity to boost revenue on a night that would otherwise be logistically difficult.

Whatever happens with England's World Cup run, Sunday night will shape up to be a busy but memorable night for pubs and bars across the country. 

If your pub or restaurant is gearing up for a busy matchday, make sure your venue's ready with fast service, smooth payments, and an experience people will remember (pints permitting).