The World Cup Licensing Hours Order 2026 covers only certain kickoff windows:
That final restriction leaves The Vineyard outside the scheme. The venue, one of Sittingbourne’s larger pubs with more than 20 televisions, says it has received hundreds of messages from supporters hoping to watch the game there.
The pub could potentially apply for a Temporary Event Notice, known as a TEN, costing £21. However, the venue says the deadline passed before the England fixture was confirmed.
That creates a wider problem for local hospitality businesses. The Vineyard reportedly invested in additional staff, stock and preparations after ministers spoke about helping pubs bring communities together during the World Cup. The annual limit on TEN applications also means venues cannot use them casually, with key dates such as Christmas and bank holidays already competing for priority.
Swale Council cannot simply override the restriction. Any change would need to come from central government, leaving the pub dependent on a late amendment rather than a local decision.
The issue is now a test of whether the government’s support for pubs extends beyond headline announcements. A rule that covers evening matches but excludes a major England game starting after 10pm risks leaving venues prepared to host supporters unable to open legally.
The Vineyard says it will announce the screening immediately if the law changes. Until then, the next storyline is whether ministers act before kickoff or leave Sittingbourne supporters searching for another place to watch England’s World Cup campaign.