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Consultation: Relaxing licensing for the world cup

The Home Office has issued proposals to relax licensing hours in England and Wales, if England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland reach the semi finals of ...

Key summary

The Home Office has issued proposals to relax licensing hours in England and Wales.

The proposals apply if England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland reach the semi-finals of the World Cup in July 2026.

The consultation has been shared with local government, hospitality, and policing organizations.

It proposes extending licensing to 1 am for premises serving alcohol.

This extension applies where a home nation is playing in a match that kicks off after 9 pm.

Any premises wishing to serve later would need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN).

The consultation is open until January 15th.

The proposals concern alcohol licensing and use.

Consultation: Relaxing licensing for the world cup

The Home Office has issued proposals to relax licensing hours in England and Wales, if England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland reach the semi finals of the world cup in July 2026. The consultation has been shared with local government, hospitality and policing organisations, and organsiations concerenced with alcohol liceninsing and use. It proposes to extend licensing for premises serving alcohol to 1 am, where a home nation is playing in a match that kicks off after 9 pm. Any premises wishing to serve later would need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN).

The consultation is open until January 15th