PUBS in Argyll and Bute could be allowed to remain open until 5am when Scotland kick off their World Cup campaign this summer.
A report has revealed a list of possible extended hours on the national team’s matchdays which are set to go out to consultation among the police, environmental health and the licensed trade.
Scotland’s opening match, against Haiti in Boston, kicks off at 2am UK time on Sunday, June 14, and it is proposed that pubs be allowed to remain open until 5am that morning.
The other two group matches, against Morocco on Friday, June 19, and Brazil on Wednesday, June 24, kick off at 11pm. A terminal hour of 2am the following morning is suggested for those.
A list of possible closing times is also included for the dates of any knockout fixtures in which Scotland could also feature, including more at 5am if necessary.
If the Argyll and Bute licensing board agrees, the consultation will proceed, and the public will also be able to submit comments through Argyll and Bute Council’s website.
An official has also stated that it has always been the practice of the licensing board to seek individual applications for special extended hours.
The report will go before the licensing board at its meeting on Tuesday, February 24.
Depute clerk Susan Mair said: “As the matches are taking place across North America, they will generally be played at times when most pubs and bars are normally closed.
“Enquiries have already been received as to the licensing board’s policy in respect of granting extended licensing hours during this period.
“Representations have also been received from the Campaign for Pubs and MSP Tim Eagle (Conservative, Highlands and Islands region) urging the board to look favourably on granting extended hours.
“I have attached as an appendix to this report, details of proposed extended licensing hours as put forward by the chair.
“Subject to the agreement of the board, it is proposed that a consultation exercise be undertaken with interested parties/agencies including the police, environmental health, licensing standards officers and the licensed trade to seek their views on the proposed late opening hours.
“It would also be the intention to publicise the proposal on the council’s website to enable members of the public to provide comments.
“Section 67 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 provides that a licensing board may, if they consider it appropriate to do so, in connection with a special event of local or national significance, make a determination extending licensed hours by such period as the board may specify.
“If the board makes such a determination then it obviates the need for licence holders to make individual applications.
“Such determinations, however, are rare and it has always been the practice of this board to seek individual applications as this enables oversight and monitoring of which premises will be operating extended hours.”
Ms Mair added: “In the normal course of business, the outcome of the consultation exercise would be the subject of a report back to the board at their next scheduled meeting on April 21.
“Bearing in mind, however, that the first match takes place on June 13 and the requirement for any application to be made at least 35 days in advance of the proposed date, it is recommended that the feedback from the consultation exercise and a final decision on the policy of extended hours applicable is delegated to the clerk/depute clerk in consultation with the chair.”
