Plans to allow pubs to open late for home nations World Cup knockout games hailed as a 'real boost' in the West Midlands

“It’s fantastic,” Cannock’s Bar Sport owner Scott Murray told the Express & Star after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed pubs would be able to extend their opening hours so football fans won’t need to go home before the final whistle during the knockout rounds.

Pubs will also be able to apply for a temporary licence for any very late kick-offs that could finish beyond 2am during the two-week tournament which is being hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.

Scott, owner of the award-winning sports bar in High Green, said of the news: “It’s good for the country and good for the hospitality industry which needs all the help it can get as it's suffering.”

Wolverhampton-headquartered pub chain Marston’s welcomed the news that opening hours can be extended until 1am for most knockout games and 2am for those kicking off at 10pm.

Jared Sedgwick, Marston’s director of operations for the Midlands, said: “Today’s announcement is a real boost for pubs and for football fans across the country. Allowing pubs to stay open later for home nations’ World Cup knockout matches means people can enjoy those huge sporting moments together, right through to the final whistle.

“Pubs have always been the natural home of live sport – places where communities come together to share the drama, the tension and the celebrations. Extended opening hours mean fans won’t have to head home just as the action reaches its peak, and our teams can deliver the unforgettable atmosphere that only a great pub can offer.

“We’re proud to be getting ready to welcome guests for what promises to be a brilliant summer of football, shared good times and community spirit.”

Bosses at Birmingham-based pub and brewing business Davenports were also delighted.

Katie McPhilimey, brand and marketing director at Davenports, said: “The late-night opening for the World Cup is welcome news for pubs, it makes a change to have some positive news set against the punishing legislation and cost increases the hospitality industry in general have faced.

“The Met in Walsall and our My Local pubs across the region boast massive screens that are placed strategically around the venues so that customers don’t miss any action – whilst the costly matrix systems installed help create the right sounds in the right areas of the pubs.

“Tournaments are always best watched with friends – with banter and debate over the performance, decisions and goals. We will ensure guests watching with us – even for the late games, have a great time.”

Noel Smith, landlord of The Next Door Bar in Albrighton, welcomed the move and said he would definitely be applying for an extension licence as the venue in Station Road currently opens until 11pm.

"Being able to stay open until 2am is great news. The way the sector is at the moment, every little helps," he said.

"We show football but also all the other sports. I am expecting a lot of people to come in during the World Cup, regardless of the time issues, and we will be doing lots of promotions.

"We will be able to give the current staff more hours and they will snap our hands off."

Alex Hill, owner at Green Duck Brewery in Stourbridge, was also pleased to hear the news, saying it would be a welcome boost for every pub in the country.

He added: “Anything at this point in our industry is a positive. Hopefully the process will be nice and simple.

“It’s been really difficult for pubs, we do feel like a forgotten sector.”

Tony Morgan, honorary secretary of CAMRA Stourbridge and Halesowen Branch, was a little more sceptical about whether the option to open for longer would benefit pubs and he called for more government support for the industry.

He said: “This is all very well but by the time pubs have factored in the additional tax burdens the government have dumped on them, will it be worth their while?

"Pubs need proper monetary support, not sound-bite gimmicks.”

JD Wetherspoon said it has not yet made a decision as to whether it will open for the extra time offered.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said of the news: “When our home nations do well in the World Cup, it’s not just good for fans – it’s good for the economy.

“Backing later opening for pubs means more trade for local businesses, more jobs supported on our high streets and less red tape for landlords, so big games can give a real boost to growth.”