Pubs may now be allowed to stay open until the end of England’s World Cup match against Mexico, which is due to kick off at 1am UK time on Monday.
The government had initially said it would not relax licensing laws further than they already have been for the World Cup, but BBC News understands that the Prime Minister is now considering it.
In April, the government relaxed licensing rules so England and Scotland fans could watch matches in the pub.
But earlier on Thursday, Business Minister Kate Dearden had told the House of Commons that opening times would not be extended even further for the 1am start in Mexico City.
The round-of-16 match in the Azteca Stadium may not finish until 3am — or even later if there are penalties and extra time.
Dearden was responding to a question from Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson about a blanket extension.
Wilkinson said in the House of Commons: “Pubs will miss out on a real opportunity to get money in the till if ministers do not make a blanket extension for licensing hours.”
Dearden said that Local Government Secretary Steve Reed had written to councils encouraging them to sign off on pubs staying open late enough that fans can watch to the end of the match.
“Pubs can stay open for an extra two to three hours depending on how late the match starts so pubs can still open as the game finishes,” she said.
“Regarding Sunday, unfortunately that doesn’t apply with the 1am start but going forwards we are absolutely backing our pubs so people can watch and support our lads, and it’s coming home hopefully.”
Licensing hours were extended from 11pm to 1am for games with kick-offs from 5pm up to 9pm.
Additionally, pubs can stay open until 2am for kick offs after 9pm and up to 10pm.
Outside of those rules, pub can apply to their local council for what is called a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) to stay open late.
However, it must be submitted no later than five working days beforehand, leaving it too late for pubs to apply on Thursday.
Some establishments had plotted England’s potential progress through the tournament and have already applied for and received an event notice.
In a video on X, Reed encouraged councils to approve applications from pubs.
“There are still some councils that are saying no to the pubs, and my message to those councils is please say yes,” he said.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “We remain in close contact with government about concerns raised by publicans who want to show the match but haven’t got TENs in place.
“It would be a crying shame for fans and pubs if our locals weren’t able to host such an important match.”
A spokesperson for the Local Government Association, which represents councils across England, said they would make decisions “based on local conditions and community needs”.
The Mayor of London is also encouraging councils to allow pubs to stay open in the capital, his spokesperson said.
