Some city pubs among those opening for Mexico game

Several Hereford pubs are among those planning to open for the early hours World Cup clash between England and Mexico.

Eight pubs in Herefordshire, including seven in Hereford, applied to Herefordshire Council for Temporary Event Notices (TENs), which give one-off approval for events, ahead of the game.

But the council said it had refunded the pubs after the government relaxed laws and said pubs in England and Wales can stay open until 05:00 BST on Monday, so fans can watch the game which starts at 01:00 BST.

Billy Harrison, manager of The Kerry in Commercial Square, said he was looking forward to a good crowd, despite the hour. But other pubs who initially applied, are not expecting to open.

Customers were advised to double check which venues were opening ahead of watching the last-16 knockout match, which takes place at Mexico City Stadium.

Harrison said: "It's the World Cup. It only happens every four years, people are up for it."

Daniel at Doyles Sports Bar, one of the eight which initially applied for the licence which the council refunded, said: "It's an England knockout game, so hopefully there will be a good few along.

"We've had events like boxing at odd hours before."

But staff at The Wellingtonin Widemarsh Street and the Rose & Crown in Ledbury Road said they did not now expect to be open for the game.

Elsewhere, The Grandstand, in Grandstand Road, The Yard in Aubery Street, and the recently reopened Queens Arms in High Street, Bromyard, said online that they will be staying open for the match.

Some other pubs in the West Midlands said on social media they had made the decision not to open for the early-hours game.

The New Inn, which is in a residential area in Harborne, Birmingham, said it was not opening out of respect for their neighbours.

"We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to be considerate of those living nearby," it said, adding to would be there for "football chat" from 16:00 BST on Monday.

National chain Wetherspoons has confirmed that only five out of its more than 800 pubs will be open for the game.

The chain, which does not typically show sports fixtures in its venues, said only the Solomon Cutler in Broad Street, Birmingham, a pub in central London and three in the north east of England will stay open.

Many pubs, however will be taking advantage of Sir Keir Starmer's easing of the rules.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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