Aberdeenshire is poised to become the second council in Scotland to extend opening hours for pubs during Scotland’s World Cup campaign after confirming its intention to grant a move to allow bars to open longer.
In a response to Douglas Lumsden MSP, Aberdeenshire Licensing Board announced it will propose allowing pubs to open later for the World Cup at its next meeting on February 25.
It follows Aberdeen City Council’s decision on Tuesday to allow extended opening hours during the tournament.
Aberdeenshire Council said its licensing team is currently working with Police Scotland and licensing standards officers ahead of the proposals being brought forward next month.
The council said it will provide “guidance” on what the trade will need to do to take advantage of the additional hours if the board approves the recommendations.
The Tartan Army’s opening World Cup match is against Haiti in Boston, which kicks off at 2am on June 14.
Scottish Conservative North East MSP Douglas Lumsden said: “Not only is this a vote of confidence, but it is also a vote of trust for our pub trade by Aberdeenshire Council.
“At a challenging time for the industry, pubs across Aberdeenshire deserve to reap the rewards of the Tartan Army’s first World Cup for 28 years.
“Other than being at the match, there’s no better place than being down at the local with your friends, all under one roof, during moments of huge sporting significance for our country.
“Extending licensing hours across Aberdeenshire will allow fans to enjoy the matches safely, responsibly, and in a vibrant social atmosphere.
“I, like so many others, cannot wait for the World Cup to start, and I’m glad our landlords will see significant benefits from this monumental occasion.”
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In a response to Mr Lumsden’s calls, Aberdeenshire Licensing Board said: “I can advise that our licensing team is currently working with Police Scotland and our licensing standards officers, and engaging with the licensed trade, with a view to putting a report to the Aberdeenshire Licensing Board recommending extended hours for the World Cup, to be considered at their next meeting on February 25, 2026.
“Once the board has approved its decision we will be working closely with our communications team to publicise and provide detailed Guidance on what the trade will need to do to take advantage of additional hours approved by the board.
“All of our work is currently subject to statutory guidance for the World Cup. which the Scottish Government is currently working on, and which is to be issued to Scottish licensing boards in due course.”
