Football fans are being given a sporting chance to back their favourite team in East Dunbartonshire's licensed premises this summer – with extended opening hours on offer during the World Cup.
East Dunbartonshire Licensing Board has agreed to a general extension covering all matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 – allowing premises to open until 30 minutes after the final whistle, should they choose to. This will only apply to on-sale establishments that already have televised sports as an activity with their licence.
It follows consultation with licensees, Police Scotland, Licensing Standards Officers (LSOs), East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership, community councils, Business Improvement Districts, and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
A total of 48 teams from around the globe will compete in 104 fixtures at the World Cup tournament – from the opening match on Thursday 11 June 2026 to the grand final on Sunday 19 July 2026.
Games are being hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico and the USA, which means a number of fixtures will kick off between 2am and 5am BST (British Summer Time).
Scotland play:
- Haiti on Sunday 14 June 2026 – kick-off at 2am BST
- Morocco on Friday 19 June 2026 – starting at 11pm BST
- Brazil on Wednesday 24 June 2026 – kicking off at 11pm BST.
Councillor Stewart MacDonald, Chair of East Dunbartonshire Licensing Board, said,
Excitement will reach fever pitch when Scotland play Haiti on 14 June 2026 – 28 years after the men’s team last competed at the FIFA World Cup.
“I’m pleased we have been able to offer licensed premises the chance to open – not just for Scotland’s games, but for all World Cup matches – with a number of conditions in place to ensure public safety and minimise any potential disruption.
“It will provide a potential boost for local businesses and also give residents the chance to join together to enjoy a festival of football."
There is no obligation on premises to take advantage of the extended hours.
For those that do, they will be required to notify the Licensing Board in advance to confirm the matches they intend to screen. This information will be shared with Police Scotland.
Premises are also expected to operate a “safe home” initiative to ensure staff have access to transport.
