Pubs across England are experiencing a surge in ticket sales for the upcoming World Cup games, even though the tournament is still two months away. Enthusiastic fans are eager to secure prime spots in pubs with large outdoor areas or fan zones, leading to higher demand compared to previous tournaments.
The rush for tickets coincides with the Home Office’s relaxation of licensing laws, allowing pubs to extend their opening hours to show all England and Scotland matches. This decision has provided a much-needed boost to the struggling hospitality industry in England and Wales.
The World Cup, taking place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will feature England playing their three group games starting at either 9pm or 10pm, beginning with Croatia on June 19.
Under the new regulations, pubs can serve alcohol until 1am for matches starting between 5pm and 9pm, and until 2am for later fixtures kicking off between 9pm and 10pm. This adjustment ensures that fans watching evening knockout matches will also benefit from the extended hours.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the importance of keeping fans in pubs to support their teams, stating that fans should not leave the pub before the football action ends.
Several pubs, such as Big Penny Social in Walthamstow and Flat Iron Square near London Bridge, are already seeing high demand for tickets, with limited spaces available for popular games. Managers are advising early bookings, emphasizing the quick sell-out rates for previous major matches.
Tim Martin, the head of JD Wetherspoon, highlighted plans to showcase the games in their pubs, anticipating increased footfall during important matches. On the other hand, Rachel Kiernan-Moreton from the Gosta Green pub in Birmingham expects bookings to pick up closer to the tournament, especially with their array of screens, including a large mega-screen.
Overall, the anticipation for the World Cup is evident in the pub industry, with fans gearing up to support their teams in a lively and engaging atmosphere.