Explanatory note

This Order provides for the extension of licensing hours for licensed premises and clubs on the days of specified matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, comprising matches in the tournament knockout stage known as the round of 32 and the round of 16, and quarter final, semi final and final matches, where a men’s senior team representing England or Scotland plays in that match.

The Secretary of State considers the period beginning with the first such match, and ending on the day after the final match of the tournament, to be a celebration period for the purposes of section 172(1) of the Licensing Act 2003 (c. 17).

The specified times are set out in article 2 and will only apply if a men’s senior team representing England or Scotland plays in a specified match.

Article 3(2) provides that the Order applies only to premises licences and club premises certificates where the opening hours authorised by the licence or certificate immediately precede or continue into the specified times.

Article 3(3) provides that the Order does not apply to the sale by retail of alcohol for consumption off the premises, the supply of alcohol by or on behalf of a club to, or to the order of, a member of the club for consumption off the premises, or the provision of regulated entertainment.

Article 3(4) provides that the Order permits premises to be used for the provision of late night refreshment at the specified times only where, at those times, the premises may also be used for the sale or supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen. An economic note is annexed to the Explanatory Memorandum which is available alongside this instrument on www.legislation.gov.uk and is also available from the Alcohol Policy Team of the Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, SW1P 4DF.