Home / Sports / York Pubs Seek 5 AM World Cup Closings
York Pubs Seek 5 AM World Cup Closings
7 Jun
Summary
- Several York pubs applied to extend operating hours for World Cup matches.
- Government relaxed licensing for pubs to stay open until 2 AM.
- Police and council urged safety measures for venues showing games.
As the World Cup kicks off, numerous pubs in York are seeking special permission to remain open until as late as 5 AM to accommodate the tournament's broadcast schedule. The event, hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, presents significant time differences, with many matches scheduled for late evenings and overnight viewing in the UK.
To facilitate public viewing, the government has eased licensing regulations. This allows pubs and bars to extend their hours to 2 AM for quarter-final, semi-final, or final matches involving England or Scotland, without needing to apply for temporary event notices. However, matches not featuring home nations or starting after 10 PM will still require such applications.
Several establishments in York, including the Cross Keys and The Harry Hotspur, have formally applied for these extended hours. In response, North Yorkshire Police and the City of York Council have advised venues to implement enhanced safety protocols. These recommendations include employing additional door staff, using plastic glassware, and managing crowd capacity to ensure public safety during the tournament.
