Extra customers, staying for extra time – major tournaments always give hospitality a boost. But with this summer’s World Cup, that spike could come at a time when you’d normally be shut for the night.
Matches hosted across the US, Canada and Mexico will push UK kick-off times much later than pubs, bars and hotels are used to. Some fixtures, like Scotland’s opening game against Haiti – their first World Cup match since 1998, so sure to be a busy one – start as late as 2am UK time.
This creates a very different trading profile:
- Customers at midnight and beyond
- Elevated alcohol and food sales, well into the early hours
- Extra time, on occasion, pushing beyond 4am
- Celebrations (or commiserations) lasting well beyond full time
England and Scotland have already qualified, with Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in with a chance too. A dramatic knockout-stage winner for one of those teams will drive fans wild – and back to the bar for a celebratory “sunriser” or two.
But you’ll need to be licensed correctly to make the most of it.
Extended licensing for Home Nation games
The Government has confirmed that pubs can continue serving for longer during games featuring a Home Nation team (England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland). These rules initially applied only to the later stages of the tournament, but in February it was announced that all Home Nation games would be included. That means you can stay open:
- until 1am for a 9pm kick-off
- until 2am for a 10pm kick‑off
But with 32 teams qualifying from the group stages, and plenty of games scheduled to kick off after 10pm, many games aren’t covered by these extended hours. To stay open beyond your normal hours for these matches, you’ll need to get yourself a Temporary Event Notice (TEN).
What’s a TEN licence?
Put simply, a TEN extends your licensing hours. Under the Licensing Act 2003:
- A TEN can cover up to 168 hours (seven days)
- Maximum capacity is 499 people (including staff)
- Most premises can apply for up to 15 TENs per calendar year (subject to day limits)
- A standard TEN must be submitted at least 10 clear working days before the event
You won’t need to apply if your existing licence already permits:
- Alcohol sales during the relevant match hours
- Regulated entertainment during match times
- No restrictive conditions on sporting broadcasts
But even if you’re covered for weekends, most standard licences don’t allow routine alcohol sales into the early hours on weekdays, so be sure to check:
- Terminal hour for serving alcohol
- Terminal hour for regulated entertainment
- Any noise or sporting event conditions
- Outdoor area permissions
Can I apply for a TEN less than 10 days before the event?
If you miss the standard application window, a Late TEN can be submitted between five and nine working days before the event.
However, there are important differences compared to a standard TEN:
- If police or environmental health object, the Late TEN is automatically refused
- There is no hearing process
- You cannot amend and resubmit for the same event
So it’s safest to submit standard TENs for all anticipated late fixtures.
What’s the cost/benefit of staying open late?
A TEN comes cheap – at £21 per notice – so the cost of compliance is negligible.
The bigger variables include:
- Labour costs
- Stock planning
- Security
- Systems and equipment to keep things running smoothly
Research shows that people watching football in pubs tend to spend 36% more on eating and drinking. If one of the Home Nations snatches an important victory, expect that effect to be compounded, with customers:
- Staying longer
- Ordering food and additional rounds
- Booking tables for the next fixture
On top of that, the more dramatic the victory, the more pronounced the celebration – which means extra time and beyond could be where you really make your money.
So, check out the times of key games in this blog or on the FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule and make sure you’re fully legal and ready to play!
Plan a successful summer of sport
Licensing is just part of the recipe for success this summer. Capify’s Summer of Sport Playbook is free and has all the information you need to win this summer. There’s information on screens, systems and seating, plus handling the rush and making the most of outdoor areas. Download it now.
Disclaimer: This article contains general guidance only. Regulations may change, and may be specific to regions and licensing authorities. Always check the latest rules for your area.
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