Football fans across England and Wales will be able to celebrate into the early hours if their teams reach the semi-finals or final of the UEFA Women’s European Championships 2025.
The Home Office has confirmed that pubs will be allowed to stay open until 1am for any home nation match that makes it to the tournament’s final stages in July.
The decision means pub closing hours would be pushed back from 11pm to 1am to allow fans more time to enjoy the games and celebrate together.
“Exceptional National Significance”
Under UK law, licensing hours can be temporarily extended for events deemed of “exceptional national significance.” The Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson, said:
“Nothing quite brings people together like watching our national football teams… We will extend licensing hours should either team progress through the tournament, to allow supporters to watch and celebrate together for longer.”
Fixture Highlights
- Semi-finals: July 22 & 23
- Final: July 27
- England vs Wales: July 13 in St Gallen
- England vs France: July 5
- Wales vs Netherlands: July 5
- England vs Netherlands: July 9
- Wales vs France: July 9
England’s Lionesses enter the tournament as defending champions, having won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 final at Wembley. Wales are making their debut at the competition, having qualified for the first time.
Boost for the Night-Time Economy
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) praised the move, calling it a “positive and progressive” step.
Michael Kill, NTIA’s Chief Executive, said:
“This decision will give communities the opportunity to come together and celebrate in a safe and responsible way, while also providing a welcome boost to the night-time economy.”
With the tournament scheduled for July 2–27 in Switzerland, the early announcement allows pubs and venues to plan ahead for staffing and stock, and for Parliament to put in place the required statutory instruments before its summer recess.
Separate Rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland
The new rules apply only to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland operate under different licensing regimes, and no announcement has been made yet for those nations.
