Pubs in Moray to stay open late for World Cup game

Councillors in Moray have agreed to grant pubs a license to remain open late during the World Cup this summer.

The decision was made at a meeting of the council’s licensing board.

The “general extension” to hours will allow venues to remain open until 30 minutes after the final whistle of live matches at this summer’s World Cup, which is taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

For example, Scotland’s opening game against Haiti, which kicks off at 2am in the UK on June 14, is expected to finish at around 4am. The extension will allow venues to stay open until 4.30am.

A representative from Police Scotland did warn that the extra hours could be a “potentially significant drain” on staff resources, but only if they were to be used for all late matches.

In an earlier survey, the majority of pubs said they would use the late license for Scotland and England matches, as well as the semi-finals and final.

Buckie Councillor, Sonya Warren (SNP) endorsed the recommendations stating it was a “proportionate” way to support the local economy. She was seconded by her party colleague, councillor Scott Lawrence (Forres).

The extended hours will not cover outdoor venues or drinking areas, which will still need to close by 10pm.

In a statement, 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.”

The Men’s World Cup begins on June 11. The final will take place on July 19.