Glasgow pubs granted late licence for all World Cup matches

Pubs and bars in Glasgow will be able to stay open through the night for World Cup football matches this summer.

The city's licencing board has granted an extension lasting until 30 minutes after the final whistle for all matches during the tournament, which is being held in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Scotland's first match of the competition is against Haiti on 14 June with a kick-off time of 02:00, meaning pubs can remain open until about 04:15 that day.

The general extension will take effect from the tournament's first day on 11 June and run until the final on 19 July, although that match will kick off at 20:00.

The Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) previously called for licensing boards to show "flexibility" and let premises stay open.

Scotland's three matches kick off at 02:00 v Haiti, 23:00 v Morocco on 19 June and 23:00 against Brazil on 24 June.

A number of other matches during the tournament kick off at 03:00 and 05:00, meaning some pubs and bars could therefore remain open until after 07:00.

Susan Aitken, the leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "Glasgow is the home of Scottish football, and there's a real sense of pride and anticipation across the city, as we look forward to Scotland's World Cup journey.

"This is a moment supporters have waited a long time for and the licensing board's decision to offer a general extension strikes the right balance between supporting our city's hospitality sector and giving people the chance to come together and enjoy the tournament."

She added that the decision would provide a boost to the city's wider economy.

Bailie Margaret Morgan, who chairs the licensing board, said: "Licensed venues know their clientele best and how to provide a well-managed environment to show the World Cup, where everyone can be part of the occasion and enjoy the experience."

Paul Togneri, of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA), said other local authorities in Scotland should follow Glasgow's example.

He added: "With the World Cup on the horizon and communities gearing up to cheer on the Scotland team, this kind of pragmatic, common-sense action gives pubs the confidence they need to create brilliant match-day atmospheres, support jobs and keep investing in the city.

"We urge other local authorities across Scotland to follow Glasgow's lead. A consistent approach nationwide will help protect much-loved pubs, strengthen local economies and make sure fans have great places to come together and roar Scotland on in North America."

The licencing board's determination stated that a general extension was granted "until 30 minutes after the final whistle/end of play of a live World Cup 2026 football match where it is being shown within the licensed premises".