PUBS have been given permission to stay open until 5am for England’s World Cup clash on Monday.

Keir Starmer has laid down an emergency law so fans can watch the Three Lions take on Mexico in boozers across both England and Wales.

The 1am kick-off time means that pubs would have had to have a special permit to open through the night, and the deadline to acquire one had already passed when England beat DR Congo.

But in an announcement this afternoon, the outgoing PM confirmed all pubs and bars will be able to stay open until 5am.

Starmer said: “Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to.

“Pubs staying open until the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together.

“The whole country will be backing the team. Come on England.”

There had been growing calls for blanket licensing laws to be relaxed further so the nation could cheer on Harry Kane and the boys in their locals.

The Home Office had already given pubs permission to open late during England’s World Cup knockout matches. 

But Monday’s round-of-16 match at the Azteca against host nation Mexico falls outside that window because of its 1am kick-off time.

Footie-mad Sir Keit spent the afternoon exploring options to extend that universal lifting of restrictions for a one-off.

The deadline to apply for a Temporary Event Notice passed earlier this week before it was guaranteed that England would make the last 16.

Communities Secretary Steve Reed is writing to council leaders informing them of these changes – which is a big boost for fans ahead of the

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), said:”This is fantastic news and will be hugely welcomed by operators.

“The Government has listened to the overwhelming public support for England and recognised the challenges facing pubs and licensed premises across the country.

“This pragmatic approach allows venues to focus on what matters most – bringing communities together to support the national team.

“Major sporting occasions like this deliver a significant boost to hospitality businesses while creating an atmosphere that unites the country.

“As England heads into one of the biggest games of the tournament, let’s get behind the team, support our local venues, and give the country something positive to celebrate.

“We hope this weekend marks not only a memorable occasion for England on the pitch, but also a much-needed boost for our hospitality sector and the communities it serves.”

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said:  “Pubs and fans will be over the moon about this decision, because we all know the best place to watch the match is down the local.

“This tournament is hugely important for our sector, so we’re delighted the Government listened to our concerns and acted so quickly.

“Now we can carry on being the home of live sport and welcoming fans through the door.”

Earlier today a business minister sparked anger after confirming that pubs without one would not be able to open their bars up to fans.

Reform’s Robert Jenrick blasted: “This is ridiculous. Just issue a decree that any pub in the land can stay open late on Monday.

“It’s been done before. Stop being pettifogging killjoys and get behind England.”

Lib Dem Home Affairs spokesman Max Wilkinson has said: “Pubs face missing out on a much needed opportunity to get more money into the till and England fans will be missing out on the opportunity to watch their team together in their local with a beer for the biggest game of the tournament so far.

“The Government must back our hospitality venues and allow England fans to cheer on the Three Lions as they head to Mexico.”

Meanwhile, some killjoy councils have even been denying pubs’ requests for a Temporary Event Notice because of noise fears.

It saw Community Secretary Steve Reed order them to stop being spoilsports and be more lenient than usual.

He said: “If pubs want to open their doors for World Cup matches they should be able to. 

“We’ve relaxed licensing rules to make this possible, but it seems that some councils are still saying no. 

“This is my message to them – if you can say yes, do it and this government will back you. 

“There’s nothing like watching the World Cup in your local – let’s make it happen.”

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