A late winner! Pubs could open at 2am for Scotland fans to watch World Cup
Football fans could watch Scotland’s return to the World Cup in late-night pubs, the Scottish Government has suggested.
Health secretary Neil Gray said ministers would work with licensing boards to let people ‘enjoy the celebration’.
The kick-off slots for the North American tournament were revealed on Saturday, with Scotland’s opener against Haiti in Boston starting at 2am UK time on June 14.
The men’s international side then has 11pm games against both Morocco and Brazil.
Ordinarily, fans would face the prospect of pubs being shut before the games had finished - or even started.
But speaking on BBC Scotland’s Sunday Show, Mr Gray hinted special measures might apply for Scotland’s first appearance at the World Cup since 1998.
Local councils set pub opening hours through licensing boards with most generally closing between 11pm and 1am during the week, although some are permitted to stay open later.
On special occasions, such as the Edinburgh Fringe, some bars operated extended opening hours.
Cheer we go - thousands will travel to watch Scotland's games in the US next year...
Asked if the Government would look favourably at extending licensing hours, the Airdrie & Shotts MSP said: ‘Like everybody in Scotland that’s a football fan, I’m hugely excited about our summer of sport that’s coming next year.
‘We’ve got the men’s qualification for the football World Cup, we’ve got the Commonwealth Games, we’ve got a summer of sport and a celebration coming next summer.
‘So, of course, in terms of the football World Cup, we want to make sure that we are giving everybody the opportunity to be able to enjoy and celebrate that.
‘In Scotland, clearly, the licencing decisions are made by local authorities.
‘But we’re going to be working with them to try to make sure that people are able to enjoy the celebration as Scotland [try] to get out of the group of death with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.
‘I’m ever hopeful that we’ll make that progression.’
The hint followed a call from the Scottish Beer and Pub Association for extended hours.
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 Tartan Army fans who can't make the trip can watch the games in the pub
‘But with kick-offs at 11pm and 2am that opportunity is at risk.
‘Each match should give an estimated £3million boost to Scotland’s pubs but we need licensing boards to show flexibility and allow pubs to open their doors.
‘People will rightly want to come together and celebrate, like they did a few weeks ago when we qualified. Let’s give our pubs a chance to benefit from this incredible occasion. No pubs, no party.’
The last time Scotland was part of a transatlantic tournament, in Mexico in 1986, the latest kick off for the team was at 10pm.
During the campaign in Argentina, in 1978, all games started at 8.45pm. Scotland will face Haiti and Morocco in Boston, Massachusetts, and five-time winners Brazil in Miami, Florida.
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association has also backed the move for extended opening hours for the World Cup saying it would ‘welcome anything that helps the industry’ urging special measures to be put in place.
