COUNCILLORS will debate in February on licensing plans in Argyll and Bute for Scotland’s matches at the 2026 World Cup.
The men’s national team’s opening fixture at the tournament, against Haiti in Boston, will have a kick-off time of 2am UK time on Sunday, June 14.
That is followed by matches against Morocco, also in Boston on Friday, June 19, and Brazil in Miami on Wednesday, June 24. Those matches will kick off at 11pm UK time.
The Argyll and Bute licensing board will discuss licence arrangements for that period in two months’ time, and premises will be able to apply for licences from there.
An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: “Members of the licensing board will discuss proposals for a policy on licensing hours during the 2026 World Cup at its meeting on Tuesday, February 24.
“Normal statutory consultees will then be given the opportunity to comment on these proposals. Once the policy is finalised, individual premises will be able to apply for late licences.”
Scotland’s participation at the World Cup is the nation’s first at the men’s tournament for 28 years. They clinched qualification with a thrilling 4-2 win over Denmark at Hampden Park last month.
Health secretary Neil Gray has said that the Scottish Government will work with local authorities to ensure supporters watching from home can do so from the pub if they so wish, despite the late kick-off times.
Speaking on BBC Scotland’s Sunday Show, he said: “In Scotland, clearly, the licensing decisions are made by local authorities.
“But, of course, we are going to be working with them to try to make sure that people are able to enjoy the celebration as Scotland get out of the group of death with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.”
The Scottish Beer and Pub Association has also called for licensing boards to show flexibility and allow temporary licensing statements for the tournament.
