World Cup 2026: extended licensing hours
The Government has made The Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) Order 2026. This confirms extended opening hours for licensed premises in England and Wales during key stages of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
The Order was made on 12 May 2026 and will come into force on Monday 8 June 2026.
The order applies to venues (such as pubs, bars, clubs and other on‑trade premises) that are already licensed to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises.
However, the extended hours only apply:
- During specific knockout-stage matches (the round of 32, round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final).
- On days when England or Scotland are playing.
When these conditions are met, operators will not need to submit a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) to benefit from the extra hours.
PermalinkThis follows a familiar approach under section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003, which allows national extensions for events of exceptional significance.
Please note the limitations of this Order:
- It does not apply to group-stage fixtures.
- It does not extend permissions for regulated entertainment or late-night refreshment beyond what your premises are already licensed to provide.
This guidance sets out practical steps for safe and well-managed match days between 11 June and 19 July 2026.
It was developed by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) alongside UKHospitality, the BII, the NPCC, National Pubwatch, and Best Bar None.
The guidance highlights the importance of maintaining strong operational controls, including:
- Early engagement with local police and licensing teams.
- Checking current licence conditions.
- Using Temporary Event Notices (TENs) where required.
- Staffing and responsible alcohol service.
- Crowd management, CCTV, and glassware safety.
- Managing outdoor screenings.
- Counter-terrorism awareness.
Together, the Licensing Hours Order and the national guidance aim to support well-run, safe, and enjoyable match-day experiences for both local communities and the licensed trade throughout the tournament.
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