The city’s licensing board approved the move at a meeting but vetoed outdoor fan zones.
22:59, 20 Jan 2026Updated 22:59, 20 Jan 2026
First Minister John Swinney enjoys a beer with Tartan Army fan Craig Ferguson (right) in Munich before the Germany v Scotland game at Euro 2024(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire.)
Aberdeen boozers will have extended opening hours for Scotland’s games in the World Cup this summer.
The city’s licensing board met to approve a blanket extension until 3am when the national team plays in the tournament in North America. An extra half-an-hour of drinking-up time will also be allowed after the final whistle.
Steve Clarke’s team will have their first fixture against Haiti on Sunday June 14 – with the game kicking off at 2am UK time.
The Scottish Government has said it will work closely with local authorities on extended pub opening hours, but the decisions are ultimately down to local licensing boards.
Aberdeen’s board approved the changes at a meeting on Tuesday, Jnauary 20. A report from licensing officers stated that the matches involving Scotland are the main concern, although some other games may also need extended licensing hours.
It said: “Our proposal is, a blanket extension for Scotland games, with closing half-an-hour after the final whistle to allow for drinking up and dispersal.
“The same for quarterfinals, semifinals and the final itself.”
But the officials were less keen on the possibility of outdoor fan zones, saying: “In terms of fan zones, due to the times involved we don’t think external fan zones are suitable.
“There may be exceptions to this where the noise impact will be minimal, however in general it will be very disruptive to the surrounding area.
“We propose that any fan zone is submitted in the usual manner via application.”
Groups representing hospitality businesses have called for pub opening hours to be extended for the World Cup games.
Earlier this month, First Minister John Swinney proposed that the day after Scotland’s first match in the 2026 World Cup should be a national holiday north of the border.
Bank holidays can be appointed in Scotland by royal proclamation, with the first minister advising the Privy Council.