Hospitality sector can't miss this World Cup open goal
Venues can stay open late for matches but to reap the potential rewards they must be fully prepared, says Stephen McGowan
The World Cup is on the horizon, and, across Scotland, excitement is building with every passing day. Not only will the country have the opportunity to witness the men’s team on a global stage for the first time since 1998, but the tournament will also provide a timely boost to the beleaguered hospitality sector.
The Scottish Government has stepped in to help operators make the most of this rare opportunity, announcing that the Privy Council has approved a public holiday following the national team’s opening fixture against Haiti, which kicks off at 2am UK time.
Building on this momentum, Aberdeen Licensing Board confirmed it will allow later opening for the Scotland matches, but now the Glasgow Licensing Board has now confirmed extended opening hours for pubs, bars and venues throughout the whole tournament.
The Glasgow board announced on Friday, February 13 that licensed premises will be permitted to open to screen any World Cup match – not just those involving Scotland – with venues allowed to remain open until 30 minutes after the final whistle.
Crucially for businesses, the policy applies across the entire Glasgow City Council area, rather than being limited to the city centre. This means venues in the south side, north, east and west end of the city will all be able to benefit, provided they meet the necessary criteria. This will afford operators the chance to boost additional trade and provide venues for fans to come together to (hopefully) celebrate Steve Clarke’s men during the night or early morning.
Whilst the extensions are automatic, they are optional. Not every pub will fancy opening till the wee hours to show the matches, while some venues like clubs or live music premises have already announced themselves as “fan zones” for the matches.
Other licensing boards across the country will make their own announcements soon and may impose certain conditions.
From a Glasgow perspective, operators must ensure that televised sport is included within their operating plan in order to benefit from the extended hours. If this activity is not expressly authorised, a major variation will be required, and the time available for submission and approval is rapidly running out.
Premises will also be required to comply with conditions relating to the use of toughened glass and to have written policies in place covering how staff will get home safely at the end of their shift. With the tournament now only months away, the clock is ticking and venues should be putting the necessary measures in place without delay.
It is also important to note that the Glasgow extension applies only to matches shown internally within licensed premises. It does not permit the use of outdoor screens or external viewing areas, a distinction that will be particularly relevant for venues with beer gardens or temporary event spaces.
In all cases, venues would be well advised to speak promptly with a licensing lawyer who can clarify the opportunities available and confirm what steps are required to remain compliant.
With Scotland back on the world stage, there is every reason to be excited, both on and off the pitch. The coming summer of sport – with the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow hot on the heels of the World Cup – will hopefully be a focus of safe and enjoyable celebrations across Scotland, as well as a real boost for the hospitality sector.
Stephen McGowan is a Partner and Head of Licensing Scotland, TLT