Scottish Government to 'work closely' with councils over pub closing times during World Cup

John Swinney says the Scottish Government will “work closely” with local authorities over pub opening times during the World Cup.

Scotland’s opening game against Haiti will kick off at 2am UK time, while the other two games, against Morocco and Brazil, will begin at 11pm.

This could represent a headache for supporters at home who would be hoping to enjoy the occasion with friends and family.

Some are now calling for pubs and venues to be allowed to stay open for the coverage of the tournament that kicks off in June.

And while the First Minister says that power will be in the hands of local councils, he insists his government will work with them to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy the “wonderful experience” to the full.

Speaking on Monday, Swinney said: “The Scotland games are certainly going to be late in the day, but I am absolutely delighted that we have reached the World Cup, and I am looking forward to it enormously.

“I look forward to being the first minister when Scotland are at the World Cup, as well as being the first minister when Scotland qualified.

“Obviously, the issue of opening hours for pubs and venues is a matter for local authorities, but we will be working very closely with the local authorities to make sure that Scotland can enjoy, to the full, the wonderful experience of being in the World Cup, and its many stages, if I can put it that way.

“These are powers that rest with local authorities, but we will be working with them to take these issues forward.”

On Sunday, health secretary Neil Gray was asked if pub licences would be extended for the matches as he appeared on BBC Scotland.

He said: “We want to make sure we are giving everybody the opportunity in order to be able to enjoy and celebrate that.

“I want to be able to do that with my kids.

“In Scotland, clearly, the licensing decisions are made by local authorities.

“But, of course, we are going to be working with them to try to make sure that people are able to enjoy the celebration as Scotland get out of the group of death with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.”

Gray, a football fan, said he was “ever hopeful” that Scotland would clear the group stage for the first time.

Earlier, the Scottish Beer and Pub Association called for opening hours to be extended for the games.

Senior policy manager Paul Togneri said: “This is a once-in-a-generation moment for Scotland fans and should be a major boost for Scotland’s pubs, but with kick-offs at 11pm and 2am that opportunity is at risk.

“Each match should give an estimated £3m boost to Scotland’s pubs, but we need licensing boards to show flexibility and allow pubs to open their doors; that’s why we’re calling for temporary licensing statements for the whole of the tournament.

“People will rightly want to come together and celebrate, as they did a few weeks ago when we qualified. Let’s make sure they can do that in a safe, regulated environment, and give our pubs a chance to benefit from this incredible occasion.

“No pubs, no party.”