Introduction
The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is being held this summer from Thursday 11 June – Sunday 19 July. We look at the Government’s extension to licensing hours and when you might need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN).
Extended licensing hours
The Government has recently confirmed that pubs in England and Wales will benefit from extended licensing hours during key matches in the tournament. Due to the time difference between the UK and North/South America where the matches are being held, some matches are expected to kick off as late as 10pm BST.
The extended provisions will come into force provided a Home Nation team (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) progresses to the quarter-finals, semi-final or final.
The extensions will apply as below:
- Until 1am for any quarter-final, semi-final or final if the match kicks off at/before 9pm BST
- Until 2am for any quarter-final with a 10pm BST kick off
- If any match kicks off after 10pm BST, there will be no relaxation. Any venue wishing to stay open later will need to apply for a TEN
- The relaxation does not apply to any of the earlier matches within the competition, if your venue wishes to stay open later to show these, you will also need to apply for a TEN
These relaxations will hopefully give a much-needed boost to sales this summer.
Check your licence
Whilst showing the matches live is not itself a licensable activity, if your venue wants to show pre-recorded matches, highlights or other pre-recorded content this may be classified as an exhibition of a film. The exhibition of films is a licensable activity under the Licensing Act, and you should check that your licence permits this.
Outdoor screenings
If your venue has an outdoor area you intend to use for the showing of the matches, you should also check whether there are any restrictions which prohibit it.
With passionate supporters, increased noisy customers are highly likely. You should take proactive steps to minimise the potential for disruption caused by noise and any other disruption to residents. You know your neighbours and so think ahead.
How we can help
Is it too soon to start saying Football’s coming Home?!
If you have any questions or queries regarding licensing law please get in touch with Lisa Gilligan or another member of our drinks, hospitality and leisure team.
The content of this page is a summary of the law in force at the date of publication and is not exhaustive, nor does it contain definitive advice. Specialist legal advice should be sought in relation to any queries that may arise.
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