World Cup 2026 - licensed hours

Overview

Please note that this activity is for the licensed trade in Edinburgh only.

FIFA World Cup 2026 - alcohol licensed premises

The Licensing Board is considering whether to allow a general extension of licensed hours to cover periods when FIFA World Cup 2026 matches take place outwith the normal licensed period.

This would mean that premises licence holders would be able to sell alcohol during those extended hours, and those with 'televised sport' listed in the operating plan would be able to show the matches.

If you think that you might wish to operate during extended hours for World Cup matches, please provide the information requested on the following pages.

Why your views matter

The Board is interested in the likely level of interest from premises licence holders, before it makes a decision about whether to allow extended hours. It is also seeking views from other interested parties such as Police Scotland, NHS and the Licensing Forum. If it decides to grant a general extension this may be limited to specified types of premises, for example those which are showing matches in accordance with their operating plan, and which have agreed to implement certain management measures, in order to promote the licensing objectives.

Please give us your response by 9 February 2026 so that the Board can discuss this at its meeting on 23 February 2026.