Fife Council to consider allowing pubs to open late for Scotland's World Cup matches
The possibility of whether Fife pubs can open up late to allow football fans to take in Scotland’s World Cup matches will be looked at in the new year.
The national team secured their place in next summer’s tournament with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden last month.
They will head to the USA in June with their opening fixture against Haiti kicking off at 2am UK time on June 14.
Group games against Morocco and Brazil will then follow on June 19 and 24 with kick off times of 11pm.
Following Scotland’s qualification, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association backed calls for businesses to be allowed to open late.
“We urge local authorities and licensing boards across Scotland to put special measures in place to enable the nation to share in our national football team’s success in reaching their first World Cup for 28 years and hope that our pubs and bars will be allowed to open and show games late at night,” they stated.
“The best place for fans to watch these games will be in our local pubs and bars where the atmosphere will be electric, you’ll be amongst friends and will no doubt make new ones. After all, not everyone will be able to travel to the USA, Canada or Mexico.
“Amid the current doom and gloom weighing down the whole of the UK, Scotland’s victory has given us all something to smile about and for our pubs and bars struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis and cost of doing business, to be able to open for a few extra hours during the World Cup will bring a massive boost to many businesses, particularly the small, independent operators.”
Fife Council have confirmed that the issue is due to be discussed by Fife Licensing Board in February.