England pubs stay open later for World Cup semifinal

Pubs across England are preparing for a surge of patrons on Wednesday, July 15, as the national football team faces Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semifinal. The match, kicking off at 8 p.m. local time from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, USA, will see England attempt to reach its first men's World Cup final since 1966. To accommodate fans, the government has extended pub licensing hours, allowing venues to remain open until 1 a.m. for the evening fixture.

The British Beer and Pub Association estimates the event could drive the sale of an additional six million pints, a 75 percent increase over a typical July Wednesday. Industry leaders describe the tournament as a vital boost for the hospitality sector. Data from Barclays indicates that spending in pubs and bars tripled during England's previous knockout match against Mexico on July 6, highlighting the significant economic impact of the team's progress.

Many pubs are reporting high demand, with some venues in areas like Mid Sussex already sold out for the semifinal. Establishments are promoting special viewing events with large screens, extended food menus, and outdoor seating to capture the anticipated crowd. The...