Little-known American laws leave England fans at risk of deportation from USA
Brits have taken over the nation known as the 'land of the free' to support the Three Lions - but it's certainly not a free-for-all.
England fans have ventured across the Atlantic for the 2026 World Cup, but they ought to be on their best behaviour, as they could be booted out of the country otherwise.
Although there has been a lax in some laws so that revellers can enjoy the football tournament, there are still a host of stringent rules that must be followed.
On Tuesday (23 July), Thomas Tuchel's team will take on Ghana at the Gillette Stadium in the Massachusetts city of Foxborough, and more than 14,000 supporters are believed to have travelled there to support the lads.
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After thrashing Croatia 4-2 last week, England hope to secure a victory once again to make it to the knockout stages.
While we hope we'll all be raising a glass to another triumph later this evening, those who are in Massachusetts ought to be careful about where they are doing it.
The state normally has strict drinking laws in place, but these have been temporarily relaxed for the duration of the World Cup.
According to CBS News, Governor Maura Healey signed a bill that extends last calls at bars and also restaurants.
The news outlet reports this means that there will be alcohol served until 3am and there will also be 'outdoor drinking zones' until July 31. After that date, they revert back to the normal 2am time rule.
Healey said the move would 'provide more opportunities for people to celebrate with their community' as well as giving local businesses a boost.
"We’re grateful to our partners in the legislature for getting this bill across the finish line in time for the World Cup, as well as to the hardworking staff at our bars and restaurants for providing a welcoming and joyful environment for residents and visitors alike," she said in a press release in June which announced the news.
Pints and pyrotechnics rules
The move is a big one, because Massachusetts previously banned 'happy hour', or the discounted sale of alcoholic drinks at restaurants and bars, more than four decades ago. The legal age for buying alcohol in the US is 21.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll is among the supporters of the latest loosening of laws for the World Cup, saying: "As we welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to Massachusetts this summer, we want to make sure that everyone has the chance to enjoy this once in a generation opportunity. Allowing bars to stay open an hour later gives more people the chance to celebrate together and supports local businesses."
However, when it comes to boozing in public places, the mood isn't as merry and tailgating is off the table.
You can't knock back alcoholic beverages while wandering through the streets, which is something England fans should be wary of.
It is illegal to drink from or possess open containers of alcohol in public in Massachusetts, including on sidewalks, streets, parks, and beaches.
Sports celebrations aside, another big day of festivities in the US is the 4th of July, which is Independence Day.
But England fans who want to get in on the fun should be aware that fireworks are banned in Massachusetts unless you have professional licensing and certification.
The Government website explains: “Massachusetts law prohibits the possession, use, and sale of fireworks and other pyrotechnics without professional licensing and certification.
"The law applies even if you buy them legally in another state.”
This means that fireworks, sparklers, smoke devices, and other pyrotechnics are strictly banned and any illegal fireworks will be confiscated by police. There will be plenty of professional fireworks displays on offer for fans though.
Football fans will want to take note not to break the laws surrounding boozing and fireworks, because it could result in the loss of their Electronic System of Travel Authorisation (ESTA) permit.
The UK Government’s official travel advice cautions fans that local US laws can vary by state and that while in a state, fans are subject to the national and state laws.
The website says: “Not following all US state and federal laws can put your visa status and future travel to the US at risk.”
Olivia Burke