Wider licence extensions for pubs during World Cup

Wider licence extensions for pubs during World Cup

Extended hours for England and Scotland matches

With the World Cup in full swing this June and July, fans of England and Scotland can now anticipate extended pub hours for key moments in the tournament. The government has introduced a new regulation allowing pubs to stay open later for matches featuring these teams, particularly in the knockout stages. This change broadens the scope of previous adjustments, which already permitted late-night openings for most games in the competition.

Matches that begin between 17:00 and 21:00 BST will see pubs open until 01:00, while those starting from 21:00 to 22:00 will allow operations until 02:00. The decision follows a six-week public consultation, which concluded in December. The Home Office emphasized the importance of supporting fans during critical moments of the tournament, especially when England or Scotland advance in the early rounds.

“If our boys are on the pitch, we want our fans to stay in the pub,” said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. “So we’re giving pubs and bars an open goal to serve punters long after the last penalty hits the back of the net.”

Scotland’s devolved licensing rules

Scotland operates under its own licensing framework, with local authorities deciding extensions for pubs and bars. This has prompted specific attention to matches involving the Scottish team, particularly their opening game against Haiti, which is scheduled for a 02:00 BST kick-off. The country’s unique rules mean venues can tailor their hours to local needs, though the broader changes apply to England and Wales.

The tournament, hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico, spans multiple time zones, each at least five hours behind the UK. This has led to varied match times, with some games starting late into the night. Pubs in Wales and Northern Ireland, despite not qualifying for the knockout stages, have still benefited from previous World Cups, where summer evenings saw high attendance and revenue.

Industry response to the changes

Representatives from the pub and bar sector have praised the updated rules. Michael Kill, CEO of the Night-Time Industries Association, described the extension as “a welcome boost” for the industry. Emma McClarkin, head of the British Beer and Pub Association, highlighted the social impact, stating that the change allows people to “come together, boost community spirit and enjoy a summer of sport.”