You will all be aware, the Football World Cup 2026 started yesterday in Mexico at the Estadio Azteca Stadium. It is an exciting time for all, especially for those in the licensed trade!
The Government has extended hours due to the time differences across the four different time zones. The extensions only apply for premises in England and Wales. For Scotland, it is for individual Licensing Boards to determine.
When a home nation (England or Scotland) is playing, there will be a national extension to licensing hours:
- from 11:00pm to 1:00am for kick-offs from 5:00pm up to 9:00pm
- from 11:00pm to 2:00am for kick-offs after 9:00pm up to 10:00pm
but only for the following matches:
- round of 32
- round of 16
- quarter-finals
- semi-finals
- bronze medal match
- final
Importantly, this national extension will allow licensed premises in England and Wales that are already licensed to 11:00pm, and subject to their existing licence conditions, to remain open for the sale and supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises and provision of late-night refreshment.
The BBPA have produce a handy guidance note for those in the trade, please see link https://admin.beerandpub.com/media/elcluv1v/world-cup-2026-guidance.pdf
It is not too late for TENs (if required)
Should they be required, hopefully they will already be in place, but you can apply for TENs to extend your trading hours.
It is too late to apply for the first England game, however, you could still apply for the following key matches:
- 1 X LATE TEN for 23 June and 27 June 2026 (England Games)
- 1 X TEN for Quarter and Semi Finals on 11/12 July and 14/15 July 2026
- 1 X TEN for the Final on 19 July 2026
Or variations of this. Please see Heidi’s article on TENs for further information on these notices.
Should you have any questions, please do contact Chris on chris@woodswhur.co.uk or your normal Woods Whur contact.
Hopefully, if required, you will have your temporary event notices now in place…