#2026/520Extended Licensing Hours for 2026 FIFA World Cup Matches
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This order allows licensed venues in England and Wales to stay open later on selected nights during the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout rounds, but only when England or Scotland is playing in the relevant match. Pubs, bars, restaurants, and other licensed premises should check the match schedule and their existing licence terms. The relaxation is limited to specific late-night windows between 29 June and 20 July 2026, mostly starting at 11 p.m., and does not create a general late-opening permission for the whole tournament.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Extends licensing hours in England and Wales for selected 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout matches involving England or Scotland.
- Applies only during specified late-night periods between 29 June and 20 July 2026.
- Limits the relaxation to scheduled matches and does not change normal licensing hours outside those windows.
Obligations
What this law requires
Licensed premises in England and Wales may rely on the extended licensing hours only during the specified relaxation periods within 29 June 2026 to 20 July 2026, and only where the relevant FIFA World Cup knockout match involves England or Scotland.
For the round-of-32 match scheduled at 6 p.m. on 29 June 2026, licensed premises may extend licensable activities only for the two-hour period beginning at 11 p.m. if England or Scotland plays in that match.
For the round-of-32 match scheduled at 9:30 p.m. on 29 June 2026, licensed premises may extend licensable activities only for the three-hour period beginning at 11 p.m. if England or Scotland plays in that match.
For the round-of-32 match scheduled at 10 p.m. on 30 June 2026, licensed premises may extend licensable activities only for the three-hour period beginning at 11 p.m. if England or Scotland plays in that match.
For the round-of-32 match scheduled at 5 p.m. on 1 July 2026, licensed premises may extend licensable activities only for the two-hour period beginning at 11 p.m. if England or Scotland plays in that match.