What time will pubs close during Euro 2025? Opening hours extended if England or Wales reach semi-finals | OneFootball

Pubs have been granted extended opening hours should England or Wales play in the semi-finals or final of Women’s Euro 2025. Alessia Russo pictured in action. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Pubs in England and Wales will be allowed to extend their hours if either country reaches the semi-final or final of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.

MPs have confirmed the change ahead of the tournament which begins on July 2nd in Switzerland.

England and Wales will be hoping to reach the semi-finals – scheduled for July 22nd and 23rd – and the final which will take place on July 27th.

Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson on Thursday highlighted the potential economic boost for venues.

She also revealed that a Home Office consultation showed that 87% of respondents backed the proposed extension of licensing hours for the semi-finals, and 84% for the final.

Johnson joked: “I have to say, from my limited following of football, it seems like the women’s teams have a reputation for doing far better than our male teams.”

She went on to add: “It is right to acknowledge as well that police representatives have expressed some concerns regarding the potential for increased crime and disorder.

“Now, whilst operational decisions on deployment and resourcing are a matter for individual forces, I am confident that appropriate measures will be taken to mitigate any risks, as has happened in similar cases. Notably, there have been no significant incidents of large-scale disorder linked to previous licensing extensions.”

What time will pubs close during Women’s Euro 2025?

Pubs will be allowed to open later than the normal 11pm cut-off, if England or Wales reach the semi-finals or final.

Bars will be allowed to sell alcohol until 1am on the nights that England or Wales potentially play in the final two stages of the tournament.

If neither England nor Wales reach the semi-finals, standard licensing hours will remain in place on July 22nd and 23rd. Similarly, if neither team reaches the final, normal hours will apply on July 27th.

The extended hours apply only to on-site alcohol at pubs, not to off-licences or supermarkets. Meanwhile, Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate licensing rules so the potential temporary change does not affect those countries.

When does Euro 2025 start?

Women’s Euro 2025 kicks off in Switzerland on July 2nd with Iceland taking on Finland and the hosts playing Norway.

England and Wales are in Group D alongside Euro 2017 winners the Netherlands and France.

The Lionesses go into Switzerland hoping to successfully defend the trophy they won for the first time back in 2022.

It will be a new experience for Wales who are playing in their first ever major women’s international tournament.

The Euro 2025 fixture schedule sees England and Wales begin their campaign on July 5th, before playing their second match on July 9th.

It will be England vs France and Wales vs Netherlands on July 5th, before the two home nations reverse opponents on July 9th.

England’s highly-anticipated clash against Wales is set for 8pm UK time on July 13th.

According to the best UK betting sites, England are 11/8 to win the group and 4/1 to win the tournament. Wales are 50/1 outsiders to win the group.