UK Pubs To Open Until 1am If England Reach Semi-Finals Of Women’s Euro

The Home Office has decided that pubs in the United Kingdom can remain open until 1am if England or Wales reach the semi-finals or final of UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.

After a consultation of the hospitality industry, the United Kingdom Home Office has confirmed that pubs in the country can continue serving alcohol for two hours beyond their normal opening times should either of the home nations reach the latter stages of the tournament to be played in Switzerland in July.

The semi-finals are due to be played on July 22 and 23 with the final on July 27. If neither England or Wales are involved, then normal opening hours will apply. The decision has been taken now in order to allow establishments time to arrange for extra stocks and staffing.

Pubs in the United Kingdom are traditionally allowed to serve alcohol until 2300. Licence holders currently have the option of applying for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) to extend their opening hours for a limited period. A TEN costs $28 and must be submitted at least 10 working days before the event begins and are also subject to annual limits.

To streamline this process for the tournament, the Home Office launched a consultation process in February inviting opinions from affected parties. Under section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003, they have now authorised the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises of the nation’s public houses until 1am on those three days, contingent on either England or Wales reaching the latter stages of the tournament.

The England women’s national team are the defending champions and have reached the semi-finals of the last five world and European tournaments in which they have played. They have however been drawn in a tough first round group alongside the Netherlands, France and Wales.

The Welsh will be playing in their first senior international women’s tournament and for them to progress to the last four, they will have to cause several major upsets. They nevertheless could be inspired by their men’s team who reached the semi-finals of their first-ever European Championship nine years ago in France.

Nearly 25% of all international ticket sales for the UEFA Women’s Euro has come from supporters in the United Kingdom but the prohibitive cost of travelling and staying in Switzerland will deny many more the opportunity of following their team in person. Research by EY ahead of the previous edition in England suggested that the tournament stimulated over $70 million worth of economic activity in the country, much of it within the hospitality industry.

Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said “nothing quite brings people together like watching our national football teams. We want fans to enjoy every minute of these matches.”

“We will extend licensing hours should either team progress through the tournament, to allow supporters to watch and celebrate together for longer. I want to wish the best of luck to both teams and let’s hope for some more memorable nights this summer.”

A similar automatic extention applied last summer when the men’s national team played in the semi-final and final of the men’s Euro. The fact that it is now also being utilised for the women’s tournament illustrates the growing economic power of the game created by a burgeoning fan culture.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, said the decision was “a positive and progressive move that recognises the growing popularity of women’s football and its cultural significance across the UK.”

“Much like previous extensions for national celebrations, this decision will give communities the opportunity to come together and celebrate in a safe and responsible way, while also providing a welcome boost to the night-time economy.”

“It represents a valuable opportunity for hospitality businesses to maximise trade during a major event – particularly important in today’s extremely challenging economic climate.”

British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin added that “the pub is the home of live sport. Our sector plays a huge part in boosting community spirit and extending licensing hours means people can gather for longer and host even more events that cheer on our squads.”