Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 - Section 142: guidance for Licensing Boards – FIFA World Cup 2026

Historic achievement of national significance

The qualification of the Scotland Men’s team to the World Cup represents the first time this century that the team has qualified. This is a significant achievement by the team that people across Scotland are very proud of and it is the first time under the 2005 Act where consideration can be given to determining extension of licensed hours for the on-sale of alcohol in the context of Scotland being involved in the Men’s World Cup.

Section 67 of the 2005 Act provides a power for Licensing Boards to grant general extensions to licensed hours in connection with special events of local or national significance if they consider it appropriate to do so.

Scotland qualifying for the World Cup clearly represents an event with national significance.

The Scottish Ministers are clear that the people of Scotland should be given as much opportunity as possible to watch Scotland play including in places where they can come together with fellow fans to enjoy the games. Given many licensed premises already allow fans of many different sports to come together to socialise while watching sport, the issue that arises is, given the times these games are being shown, whether action should be taken to allow relevant premises to be open when games are taking place.