World Cup 2026 - Licensed Premises and Halls - Extension of Hours

The Aberdeenshire Licensing Board has resolved to allow a general extension of hours authorising the showing of certain live matches during the World Cup.

The Licensing Sub-Committee have approved a temporary variation to the standard conditions for licensed public halls authorising the showing of certain live matches during the World Cup

These cover the following matches:

• All Qualifying Home Nation Matches (Scotland and England).
• All Quarter Finals
• All Semi Finals
• The Third Placed Playoff
• The Final.

The Board's resolution permits premises licensed under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 and who are showing a relevant game to remain open and sell alcohol until thirty minutes after the conclusion of the match. Said thirty minutes is inclusive of 15 minutes drinking up time.

The Licensing Authority's resolution permits halls with a current public entertainment licence under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 and who are showing a relevant game to open up to one hour before the game starts and to close no later than thirty minutes after the conclusion of the game.

In both cases these authorisations are subject to certain requirements and conditions and these are detailed within the guidance found to the right of this page.

Those who wish to take advantage of the authorisations must provide ourselves with a minimum of 21 days notice.

In order to do this:

• Premises licensed under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 should complete the 'Licensed Premises - Notification Form' at the foot of this page.
• Hall Operators should complete the 'Halls - Notification Form' at the foot of this page.

Before doing this we would recommend that you take the time to read the guidance as this helps to outline any requirements and conditions which will apply should you wish to take advantage of the these authorisations.

Licensed premises who wish to apply for extended hours for matches not covered by the general extension may do so by submitting an extended hours application and details of how to do this can be found within the relevant guidance section.