West Lothian Council confirms pubs and bars must apply for extended World Cup hours
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West Lothian’s pubs and bars must apply for extended licensing hours if they want to show Scotland’s World Cup games, the council has said.
Pubs and bars in West Lothian could be granted extended licensing hours so fans can watch Scotland’s games at the FIFA World Cup, but the council has voted not to grant a general extension of hours across the county.
West Lothian is the latest county to make a decision on whether or not to allow pubs and bars to offer extended hours to those looking to watch games at this summer’s World Cup. East Lothian and Edinburgh have also agreed to extend licensing hours, with varying conditions in place.
A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: “After consideration, the West Lothian Licensing Board has determined that it will not grant a general extension of licensed hours for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“Licence holders of licensed premises permitted to televise sport, wishing to extend their licensed hours, for the purposes of televising Scotland matches, will require to submit an application for extended hours.”
West Lothian Council said applications should be submitted no later than March 31 to ensure that they can be processed in time for the commencement of the tournament.
The council is yet to decide whether it will also approve a bank holiday on June 15. The proposal has been struck down in East Lothian, Midlothian and Edinburgh.
The bank holiday was first mooted by the first minister after November’s historic win over Denmark saw the Scots booking their place at the 2026 Men’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will mark the first time Scotland have participated at the tournament since 1998.
The national side will see a repeat of their last participation at the tournament when they play Brazil and Morocco in their other group games.
Mr Swinney confirmed last month that he would seek to have the national bank holiday made official to celebrate after the men’s team play their opening game.
He said: “Scotland qualifying for the men’s World Cup was a remarkable achievement and a landmark moment, and the reaction to the dramatic win against Denmark reminded us all what football means to the country.”