Pubs in Aberdeen to have extended opening hours for Scotland World Cup games

Pubs in Aberdeen will have extended opening hours when Scotland play in the World Cup this summer.

The city’s licensing board has approved a blanket extension to 3am when the national team plays in the tournament.

An extra half-an-hour of drinking-up time will be allowed after the final whistle.

Steve Clarke’s team will have their first fixture against Haiti on Sunday June 14 – with kick-off at 2am UK time.

The Scottish Government has said it will work closely with local authorities on extended pub opening hours, but the decisions are ultimately for local licensing boards.

Aberdeen’s licensing board approved the changes at a meeting on Tuesday.

A report from licensing officers stated that the matches involving Scotland are the main concern, although some other games may also need extended licensing hours.

It said: “Our proposal is, a blanket extension for Scotland games, with closing half-an-hour after the final whistle to allow for drinking up and dispersal.

“The same for quarterfinals, semifinals and the final itself.”

But the officials were less keen on the possibility of outdoor fan zones, saying: “In terms of fan zones, due to the times involved we don’t think external fan zones are suitable.

“There may be exceptions to this where the noise impact will be minimal, however in general it will be very disruptive to the surrounding area.

“We propose that any fan zone is submitted in the usual manner via application.”

Groups representing hospitality businesses have called for pub opening hours to be extended for the World Cup games.

Earlier this month, First Minister John Swinney proposed that the day after Scotland’s first match in the 2026 World Cup should be a national holiday north of the border.

Bank holidays can be appointed in Scotland by royal proclamation, with the first minister advising the Privy Council.