Extended opening hours granted for World Cup

Published: Tuesday 3 March 2026

This image shows players from Scotland's men's team celebrating after securing a place at World Cup 2026

Pubs and bars across South Lanarkshire will have the option to open later during World Cup football matches this summer.

Premises which hold a full premises licence which sell alcohol for consumption on the premises and includes a provision in their operating plan to show televised sport, will, in some circumstances, be able to remain open until 30 minutes after the end of games.

In South Lanarkshire Licensing Division No. 1 (Clydesdale Area) and South Lanarkshire Licensing Division No. 3 (Hamilton Area), this will be the case for all games during the competition.

In South Lanarkshire Licensing Division No. 2 (East Kilbride Area) and South Lanarkshire Licensing Division No. 4 (Rutherglen and Cambuslang Area), this will be the case for Scotland games only, including the group stages and any further stages in the competition, as well as the final.

Head of Administration and Legal Services, Iain Strachan, said: “We wish the Scotland men’s team all the very best and no doubt the full country will be behind them.

“We have four licencing division boards in South Lanarkshire, and it is up to them to decide what the extended opening hours should be.

“There is no need for premises to apply for an extended hours licence on these dates as long as the premises adhere to these hours, although we would ask if they could let us know if they are planning to make use of the extension. 

“There is no obligation for any premises to trade during the extended hours.”

License holders are being reminded to ensure adequate management arrangements are in place, and consider, where appropriate, providing additional stewarding.

The Licencing Boards will continue to monitor operations and ensure that premises are acting responsibly during the duration of the World Cup and can, if required, make adjustments to the provision.