Aberdeen has become the first city in Scotland to approve extended licensing hours for pubs and bars during the upcoming FIFA World Cup, allowing fans to watch Steve Clarke’s squad compete in their first World Cup since France ’98. The Aberdeen City Council’s licensing board greenlit a “blanket extension” on January 20, permitting venues to operate until 3am for Scotland’s group stage fixtures this June.
The decision comes as Scotland prepares to face Haiti, Morocco, and five-time champions Brazil in the United States as part of Group C. Kick-off times for the matches pose a challenge for traditional viewing hours in the UK, with Scotland’s opener against Haiti on June 14 scheduled for 2am BST. Subsequent matches against Morocco on June 19 and Brazil on June 24 are set for 11pm BST starts.
Under the approved measures, licensed premises will be allowed to remain open for an additional 30 minutes after the final whistle of Scotland games, regardless of extra time, to facilitate orderly drinking-up and dispersal for patrons. This proactive approach by the licensing board aims to streamline the process for businesses and avoid a deluge of individual extension requests.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, has welcomed Aberdeen City Council Licensing Board’s decision to grant a blanket extension of opening hours for pubs during Scotland’s World Cup games.
His comments came after the city centre Business Improvement District made submissions to the board urging that extended hours be granted, as this would be a major boost for the hospitality sector during the World Cup.
Following the decision, Mr Watson said: “Bricks and mortar hospitality businesses in Aberdeen are the big winners in this welcome decision by the licensing board to allow extended opening hours as Scotland goes for World Cup glory this June.
“Aberdeen Inspired has championed this move from the kick off and we are delighted that pubs and bars will be able to go for the goal of boosting their footfall and business in what have been tough times for many.
“I have no doubt the Tartan Army in Aberdeen will seize the chance party as Scotland do the whole nation proud in their World Cup run.”
However, the prospect of large-scale outdoor fan zones in the city remains uncertain. Council chiefs will consider individual plans, but concerns were raised during Wednesday’s meeting regarding potential disturbance to nearby residents from such venues. Police also questioned the need for additional security personnel to manage late-night crowds, though licensing officials deemed it a “physical impossibility” to provide security for every extended-hours establishment.
Meanwhile, Scottish Conservative North East MSP Douglas Lumsden has written to Aberdeenshire Licensing Board calling for similar extended opening hours for pubs in the Shire during the World Cup campaign.
Lumsden said:
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“Aberdeenshire, and every other area across the country, should be no different to Aberdeen’s decision to allow extended opening hours for Scotland’s matches.
“The hospitality industry must reap the rewards of the Tartan Army’s achievements, which is why the memories and celebrations shouldn’t end before the final whistle is blown.”
“The hospitality industry has experienced a difficult time over the last few years, and it would be a welcome boost to both the industry and also to fans if the council introduced a blanket extension to all premises licences to allow them to stay open, sell alcohol and show the games involving Scotland.”
