In the UK all pubs are permitted to extend their licensing hours for all knockout fixtures featuring England or Scotland during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off today, with licensed premises able to sell alcohol until 1am for games that kick off between 5pm and 9pm and 2am for games that start after 9pm and up to 10pm.
In Guernsey, pubs have been invited to apply to stay open up until 2am during the tournament but decisions are made by the Liquor Licensing Court, which takes place on Tuesday mornings, and applications for consideration must be made by Thursday the previous week.
All applications are considered in accordance with the provisions of the Liquor Licensing Ordinance.
‘Ideally, rather than having to go to court every week, depending on the dates of certain matches, it would be easier to have a blanket 2am [licence] for pubs. Then it is their decision,’ said Queens Inn landlord Jonathan Jackson.
All of England’s group games fall under the pub’s 12.45am licence, with the first two kicking off at 9pm against Croatia and Ghana and the third against Panama starting at 10pm.
‘If England and Scotland go further, we will [apply to extend opening hours],’ said Mr Jackson.
Licensees can apply to extend their licensing hours by completing the relevant application, which can be found online at www.gov.gg/liquorlicensingordinance19
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