Licensed premises across Moray will be able to extend their opening hours during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after approval from the Moray Licensing Board.
The temporary extension will run from 11 June to 19 July 2026, allowing venues to show live matches played in North America, many of which will take place late at night or in the early hours UK time.
Under the agreed approach, premises showing live matches may remain open for the sale of alcohol until 30 minutes after the end of a match.
Alcohol sales must end no later than 5am in all cases, including time for last orders and customers to finish their drinks.
The extension applies only to alcohol consumed on the premises and venues are not required to operate extended hours if they choose not to.
Businesses that plan to use the extended hours will be asked to notify the Licensing Board in advance.
Moray Council’s Chief Governance Officer Alasdair McEachan said:
“Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has generated huge excitement and we know that many people will want to come together to watch the matches.
“This temporary extension gives local venues the flexibility to show games that fall outside normal licensing hours, while still making sure that the licensing objectives around safety, public health and preventing nuisance remain firmly in place.”
The decision is expected to support local hospitality businesses while giving fans more opportunities to watch matches together.
With games scheduled across different time zones, the extended hours aim to balance flexibility for venues with the need to maintain responsible trading.
