A CONSULTATION is set to start on proposed extended licensing hours in Argyll and Bute for Scotland’s matches at this summer’s World Cup.
Pubs in the area could be allowed to open until 5am on the morning of Scotland’s opening match against Haiti, which kicks off at 2am UK time on Sunday, June 14.
Proposals by the Argyll and Bute licensing board could also see a 2am closing time after the subsequent matches against Morocco on Friday, June 19, and Brazil on Wednesday, June 24, which kick off at 11pm UK time.
A list published by the board last week also covered possible knockout matches should Scotland qualify from their group for what would be the first time ever.
It was also agreed amongst councillors that only premises with televised sports as part of their operating plan should be allowed any extended hours.
The agreement to go out to consultation among the police, environmental health, licensed trade and the public was made at a meeting of the board on Tuesday, February 24.
Councillor Audrey Forrest (SNP, Dunoon) said: “I think the point about places already showing sports and having it in their operating plan is a good one, otherwise we will have a lot of places taking televisions in that are not part of the operating plan.
“We do not want to be giving an excuse for random extra drinking, but if they are going to watch the match that is good and it has to be the ones with sports in their operating plan.”
Councillor Kieron Green (Independent, Oban North and Lorn) said: “What we are looking at is giving licenced premises the opportunity to show all Scotland’s matches. The question before us is whether it should be an automatic extension or whether premises should have to apply.
“The point I picked up on other areas that have already made decisions on this is in relation to letting the extension of hours to premises that have televised sports as an activity on their licences.
“That is a reason to stay open and it makes sense if it is only those with televised sports that have the extension.”
Councillor Green then said: “I have had queries about whether we can have extended hours for all of the World Cup matches.
“This was about balancing the public interest, and the representations we have already received from the trade, with the obligation to uphold licensing objectives.
“For me, that is about recognising the achievement of the Scottish team and the interest from people across the country in following their progress.
“Having it for all the matches over the month-long period would involve a lot of additional opportunities for people to consume alcohol at quite unsociable hours. I am not sure that could be justified in terms of the licensing objectives.”
Depute board clerk Susan Mair suggested that the consultation could run for two to three weeks, but no dates were identified.
The feedback would then be taken into account, and a final decision made on extended hours for the tournament.
Ms Mair also recommended that individual applications should be made by premises for any extension to hours, and that the consultation should involve the hours proposed.
