PUBS and clubs in Inverclyde can stay open later for Scotland’s matches at the 2026 football World Cup.
Inverclyde Licensing Board agreed a blanket extension for licensed premises to continue trading outwith regular opening times for the national team’s games in June because of the late kick-off times.
Scotland’s three group stage matches will be played in the United States of America at 2am on Sunday 14 June against Haiti, and at 11pm on Friday 19 June and Wednesday 24 June 2026 versus Morocco and Brazil, respectively.
The extended opening is for Scotland matches only and only applies to licensed premises that already have televised sport in their operating plan. Those premises must notify the board and police if they wish to make use of the extension by 16 April.
Premises that do not currently show live sport but want to stay open later will have to apply separately to the licensing board for a major variation of their licence.
Such applications require to be determined by the licensing board and would need to be submitted no later than 16 April in order to be processed in time for the next scheduled meeting of the board on 4 June.
A number of Scottish council areas have also agreed extensions.
Councillor Graeme Brooks, chair of Inverclyde Licensing Board, said: “The board have recognised that Scotland’s participation in the World Cup for the first time since 1998 is a moment of national significance and that because of the unusual kick-off times, licensed premises can stay open later to allow people to celebrate this historic occasion and cheer on the team among friends.
“We’ve also had requests from licensed premises operators who are looking to screen the games and host celebratory gatherings outwith their normal operating hours so this blanket extension will allow them to make the most of this momentous event.”
Children and young people will not be allowed entry to premises during the extended opening hours and off-sales are not included.
Other conditions and safeguards also apply and the licensing board will now develop detailed guidance.
The board also decided that a special meeting would be held at a later date to review the guidance and agree an approach which should be taken in relation to other games.
