Extended licensing hours approved in Moray for 2026 FIFA World Cup
19 March 2026 • Sarah Medcraf
Licensed premises across Moray will be able to extend their opening hours during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a decision by the Moray Licensing Board. |
The temporary extension will apply for the duration of the tournament, from 11 June to 19 July 2026, allowing venues to show live matches played in North America, many of which will take place late at night or in the early hours of the morning UK-time. Under the agreed approach, premises showing live matches may remain open for the sale of alcohol until 30 minutes after the end of a match, including time for last orders and customers to finish their drinks. In all cases, alcohol sales must end no later than 5am. The extension applies to the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises only and venues are not required to trade to the extended hours if they choose not to. Premises that intend to take advantage of the extended hours will be asked to notify the Licensing Board in advance. Moray Council’s Chief Governance Officer Alasdair McEachan said: “Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has generated huge excitement and we know that many people will want to come together to watch the matches. “This temporary extension gives local venues the flexibility to show games that fall outside normal licensing hours, while still making sure that the licensing objectives around safety, public health and preventing nuisance remain firmly in place.” |