FIFA World Cup 2026 licensing
27 January 2026
East Lothian Licensing Board continue to consider their options to allow local businesses to televise Scotland's World Cup games (and other Home Nations), and are anticipating Scottish Government guidance being published soon. The Board can either grant a General Extension which will allow premises with an operating plan which includes Televised Sport to benefit from the extended hours, or require premises to apply for Occasional Extended Hours for each event.
The Board will hopefully be able to make an announcement at the end of February 2026.
In the meantime, premises can ensure they are ready to operate outwith their usual hours by:
- checking that CCTV is working correctly
- having a personal licence holder on the premises
- ensuring a qualified First Aider will be on the premises
19 December 2025
In advance of making a decision on how East Lothian Licensing Board will deal with extending licensing hours during FIFA World Cup 2026, they are interested in gauging how many premises may be interested in showing the Scotland's group stage games. The Board would appreciate you indicating your interest, by completing a very short survey.
15 December 2025
In anticipation of licensed Premises showing FIFA World Cup 2026 games, East Lothian Licensing Board wants to ensure Premises licence holders are prepared. If you are considering showing the games, please ensure that your Operating Plan includes Televised Sports.
If your Operating Plan does not include Televised Sport, you will need to apply for a Major Variation to your licence.
Any application to vary your licence must be lodged with East Lothian Licensing Board by Friday 13 March 2026.