Pubs in East Lothian will be allowed to stay open until 30 minutes after the final whistle of Scotland and England’s fixtures at this summer’s World Cup.

The East Lothian Licensing Board has today agreed to a general extension of licensed hours for the county’s pubs and bars during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Premises can remain open until 30 minutes after the conclusion of any home nation fixture for the duration of the tournament. It is expected that the extension will apply to 146 premises - including bars and clubs who state within their operating plan that they show televised sports. It does not apply to alcohol off-sales such as shops or supermarkets.

The council state that guidance has been produced for licensed trade in East Lothian outlining requirements including staff training, CCTV, stewards, noise and dispersal arrangements. This will be shared with all premises in advance of the tournament and published on a special section of the council’s website.

The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026 with Scotland’s opening match against Haiti screening at 2am BST on June 14.

East Lothian will be allowed to stay open until 30 minutes after the final whistle of Scotland and England’s fixtures at this summer’s World Cup.

placeholder image — East Lothian will be allowed to stay open until 30 minutes after the final whistle of Scotland and England’s fixtures at this summer’s World Cup.

Councillor Norman Hampshire, East Lothian council leader, said: “This decision from East Lothian Licensing Board balances’ fans desires to support our national team and the need to maintain public order. It recognises the professionalism of our licensed premises to manage their responsibilities and promote safe behaviours during these extended hours using the extensive guidance our licensing team has produced. I am pleased to see this clarity for our on-sales industry who can now start planning their celebrations.”

The decision comes after East Lothian Council agreed that the organisation would not observe the public holiday on 15 June due to the financial implications. It highlighted the £150,000 cost of the public for HM The King’s Coronation. All schools and services will remain open.

East Lothian is the latest local authority to announce their plans for the proposed public holiday. First minister John Swinney proposed plans for the bank holiday after the national team qualified for the first World Cup in 28 years. Steve Clarke’s team booked their place at the World Cup being held in North America following a dramatic 4-2 win over Denmark in November.

Scotland and England are the only two home nations to have qualified. Either Wales and Northern Ireland could yet qualify. They will Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy respectively, with play-off matches taking place in March before the winners of the two ties facing off for a place at the finals.