FIFA World Cup licensing hours

The order applies to all premises, with either a premises licence or a club premises certificate issued in England and Wales which permits the sale of alcohol until at least 11pm on the date of the match, where that alcohol is sold for consumption on the premises.

The order does not apply to off-licences nor to premises only licensed for late night refreshment. The order extends the hours during which these premises can sell alcohol on specific dates and between specific times which coincide with when England are playing in the knockout stages of FIFA World Cup 2026.

The order only extends the period when alcohol can be sold in premises in England and Wales, and only when England is playing in one of the games listed in the order.

Alcohol sale extensions

Semi final 15 July 2026

During the semi final scheduled to kick off at 8pm on 15 July 2026, eligible premises may continue selling alcohol until:

• 1am on 16 July 2026 (two hour extension from 11pm)

If England loses the semi final, the final extension will not apply.

Third place play-off 18 July 2026

If England loses the semi final and qualifies for the third place play-off scheduled to kick off at 10pm on 18 July 2026, eligible premises may continue selling alcohol until:

• 2am on 19 July 2026 (three hour extension from 11pm)

Final 19 July 2026

If England wins the semi final and reaches the FIFA World Cup final scheduled to kick off at 8pm on 19 July 2026, eligible premises may continue selling alcohol until:

• 1am on 20 July 2026

The Amendment Order increased this extension from two hours to three hours and changed the extension period to begin at 10pm rather than 11pm. 

Important reminder – existing licence conditions still apply

If an England game is delayed due to the weather, the hours for the sale of alcohol are extended until 30 minutes after the game ends or noon the following day, whichever is earliest.

If the game is postponed a new Order will be issued to cover the re-arranged game.

The extended hours provision only affects the permitted hours for the sale of alcohol covered by the order.

All existing premises licence conditions remain throughout the extended period and must continue to be complied with at all times. 

This includes any conditions relating to:

•    Capacity limits
•    Door supervision
•    CCTV
•    Dispersal arrangements
•    External areas
•    Smoking areas
•    Noise-control measures 

Control measures

To promote the licensing objectives and reduce impact on local communities, premises are encouraged to take appropriate measures as listed below per topic.

Prevention of crime and disorder:

•    Ensure sufficient staffing levels throughout the event and dispersal period
•    Consider employing SIA-licensed door supervisors where large crowds are anticipated
•    Maintain CCTV coverage and ensure recordings are retained in accordance with licence conditions

Public safety:

•    Do not exceed the authorised capacity of the premises
•    Monitor admissions and customer numbers throughout the event
•    Keep all emergency exits and escape routes clear
•    Use polycarbonate or plastic drinking vessels rather than glass

Prevention of public nuisance:

•    Implement effective dispersal arrangements at closing time
•    Display notices asking customers to leave quietly
•    Prevent customers from congregating outside premises
•    Monitor smoking and vaping areas to minimise noise
•    Ensure any external areas are properly supervised and managed

Protection of children from harm:

•    Continue to operate Challenge 21/25
•    Maintain robust age-verification procedures
•    Remain vigilant regarding underage sales and proxy purchases as fake identification is in circulation
•    Manage intoxication
•    Be aware that it remains an offence to sell alcohol to a person who is drunk. Staff should actively monitor intoxication levels and refuse further alcohol sales where appropriate. The extended licensing hours should not result in reduced supervision standards

Police and Licensing Officers may carry out visits during the tournament to provide reassurance, offer support and monitor compliance with licensing legislation and licence conditions. By planning ahead and adopting appropriate control measures, premises can help ensure supporters enjoy the event safely while minimising disruption to local communities.

Further information: The Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) Order 2026 (GOV.UK)

Last updated: 14/07/2026 12:09