Pubs prepare for late World Cup kick-offs

Pub and bar operators will be hoping for the extension of licensing hours come next summer, following the confirmation of group stage matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

With England and Scotland both heading to the USA, Canada and Mexico in June next year, Scottish operators in particular will be pushing for the licensing change, given Scotland's opening group game against Haiti kicks off at 2am local time on Sunday 14 June.

Scotland's other two games both begin at 11pm GMT, with Morocco on Friday 19 June and Brazil on Wednesday 24 June. 

England's first match begins at 9pm GMT, as the Three Lions take on Croatia on Wednesday 17 June. It's a 9pm start for their second match against Ghana on Tuesday 23 June. The latest group stage kick-off for Thomas Tuchel's team is 10pm GMT, when they play Panama on Saturday 27 June. 

A huge moment for Scotland

The Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) is urging decision makers to support extension to licensing hours to ensure fans can enjoy next year’s historic World Cup matches in their local pubs.

The current licensing regulations restrict pubs in most parts of the country from operating beyond 1am, which could mean fans miss the key games above.

SBPA is predicting that next summer’s World Cup could give Scotland’s pubs a £15m boost, with 3m pints expected to be poured at a time when the sector faces growing pressures.

The UK government has launched a consultation to consider allowing all licensed premises to stay open later, and SBPA is hoping the Scottish government will show encouragement for similar extensions in Scotland.

"This is the first time in nearly 30 years Scotland have qualified for the World Cup, and if you’re not making it to North America, there’s nowhere better for fans to cheer on Steve Clarke’s men than in the local pub," says Paul Togneri of the SBPA. "We urge local licensing boards to adopt a pragmatic approach to license applications for extended opening hours next summer by implementing temporary policy statements for the duration of the tournament to make this a summer to remember for the country.

"The tournament should bring a massive boost to the industry, with as many as an extra 3m pints old, representing an increase of £15m to the sector at a much-needed time. The Scottish government should also be encouraging the local licensing boards to support our pubs and grant relaxations."

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