Earlier on Thursday, business minister Kate Dearden said pub opening hours would not be extended further for Monday’s 0100 kick off.
She had been responding to a question from Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson in the House of Commons, who said pubs would “miss out on a real opportunity to get money in the till if ministers do not make a blanket extension for licensing hours”.
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed told broadcasters the government was now passing emergency legislation through parliament on Friday “so every England fan that wants to go to the pub and cheer their team on gets the chance to go”.
He said the previous relaxing of licensing measures “hadn’t covered the eventuality of England playing so late in the night”, adding: “This is one of the fastest changes in the law that we’ve seen.”
There are concerns that pubs opening late will lead to road accidents.
The hot weather coming this weekend means dehydration is a higher risk than normal, especially when combined with alcohol.
The motoring organisation RAC said people who stay up “shouldn’t drive until they’re fully rested and hydrated”.
That may mean not driving until “much later in the day”, its spokesperson Rod Dennis said.
“Tiredness, dehydration and alcohol can be a lethal combination behind the wheel.”
Employers have also been advised to set “clear expectations” for the work day on Monday.
The CIPD, which represents HR professionals, said any flexibility needs to be agreed in advance.
“Employers are under no obligation to make special arrangements around World Cup matches,” said David D’Souza, the organisation’s director of profession.
“Employees should not assume arrangements will automatically be available.”
