UK pubs’ closing times if England vs Norway World Cup match is delayed | Football | Sport
The Government has agreed to stretch licensing hours until 30 minutes after the final whistle. This means that even in the event of a delay, extra-time and a penalty shootout, drinkers in England and Wales will be able to watch every moment of the action at their local.
This is not the first occasion the current Government has made a last-minute ruling on pub opening times to accommodate the World Cup. Establishments were permitted to stay open until 5am for the thrilling victory over Mexico in the round of 16.
The latest extension offers pubs and bars screening the football some much-needed flexibility. The 10pm kick-off could easily be pushed considerably later should adverse weather conditions strike.
According to Accuweather, temperatures are expected to reach a high of 33C an hour before kick-off, with a ‘Real Feel’ exceeding 40C, while the probability of rainfall has been put at 50%. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) stipulates that matches must be suspended if lightning or electrical discharge is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium.
For play to resume, there must be no lightning strikes recorded within the same radius for 30 minutes. Once that condition is met, supporters are permitted to return to their seats in the stands while players emerge for a 15-minute warm-up.
FIFA has previously stated, per The Athletic: “FIFA’s emergency preparedness team meets regularly with national meteorological and emergency management authorities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as with partners across all 16 host cities.
“A comprehensive, tournament-wide preparedness exercise focusing on severe weather scenarios has further strengthened cross-agency coordination and operational readiness. Stadiums are required to maintain robust risk management and evacuation procedures, including lightning and severe weather protocols aligned with local legislation and international best practice.”
Whichever side prevails between England and Norway will go on to face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-final. The latter clash gets under way just a few hours after the Three Lions and the Norwegians, with their fixture scheduled to begin at 2am (BST).
