Pubs can stay open for full Norway game - even if kick-off delayed

The UK government has confirmed that pubs in England and Wales may stay open for the entirety of England’s World Cup quarter‑final against Norway, even if the match start is pushed back because of extreme heat. Extended licensing hours will permit supporters to watch the full game, with venues allowed to remain open 30 minutes after the final whistle. Policing Minister Sarah Jones said, “England fans merit the accidental to ticker each infinitesimal of the quarter-final together, and that is precisely what our hold guarantees.” She added, “After the upwind hold we saw earlier the Mexico game, we privation to springiness fans and venues implicit certainty that no-one volition miss a infinitesimal of the action.” Jones also remarked, “She said she hoped pubs and bars would beryllium "packed" for the game, as England "hopefully determination 1 measurement person to bringing shot home”. England’s quarter‑final is scheduled to kick off at 22:00 BST (18:00 local time) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. The announcement follows England’s 2 July match against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, which began an hour late after storms. An earlier temporary hold had permitted venues to stay open until 02:00 BST for that game. Disruption preceded the Mexico encounter when FIFA reversed a plan to bring the match forward owing to poor weather; the fixture was eventually delayed by an hour after heavy rainfall in Mexico City and reports of lightning over the stadium. High temperatures have been a recurring feature of the tournament, co‑hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States. FIFA has introduced mandatory hydration breaks halfway through each half to help players cope with heat and humidity. According to a Home Office statement released on Saturday, the extended hours will apply to any further England fixtures, including a possible final, guaranteeing that venues can remain open 30 minutes after the final whistle. The blanket hold means individual venues do not need to seek separate approval for extended opening times. Previously, licensing hours for the World Cup had been extended from 23:00 to 01:00 for games with kick‑offs between 17:00 and 21:00, and to 02:00 for those starting between 21:00 and 22:00. The licensing authority retains the legislative power to extend hours on occasions deemed of “exceptional international, national or local significance”.