U.K. Pubs Able To Open Longer For Late England World Cup Kickoffs

Pubs in the U.K. "will be able to stay open beyond normal hours this summer" to show England's World Cup matches that have late kickoff times, according to the PA. The national extension of licensing hours "will initially only affect the team's opening game against Italy," which kicks off at 11pm on June 14. England's other group matches, against Uruguay and Costa Rica, kick off at 8pm and 5pm, respectively, but if the team reaches the knockout stages with 9pm kickoffs, the relaxation "could come into play again in the event of extra time." British Home Secretary Theresa May's announcement comes after PM David Cameron overruled Home Office Minister Norman Baker's initial rejection of calls for pubs to stay open late to show the match against Italy. In a statement, May said, "The relaxation of licensing hours will relate to the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises and the provision of late-night refreshment in licensed premises in England, at specified dates and times only" (PA, 3/31).