FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026: Extended Licensing Hours and Temporary Event Notices
The Government has made an Order under the Licensing Act 2003 which extends licensing hours for licenced premises in England and Wales during specific FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 matches.
The extension applies only where England or Scotland are playing in a qualifying knock-out match and only to premises that already hold a premises licence or club premises certificate permitting the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises until at least 11pm on the day of the match. Existing licence conditions still apply.
When may a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) need to be applied for?
| Scenario | Date | Automatic extension under the Order? | TEN needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home nation group stage match | Pre 28 June | No | Yes, if the premises wants to sell alcohol or use licensable activities beyond existing hours. | The Order does not cover group stage matches. |
| Home nation Round of 32 or Round of 16 match kicking off at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, 8pm or 9pm | 28 June-3 July | Yes – extension generally runs to 1am the following morning. | No, provided the premises already has on-sales alcohol permission until at least 11pm. | If the premises is not licensed until 11pm for on-sales alcohol, the automatic extension does not apply. |
| Home nation Round of 32 or Round of 16 match kicking off after 9pm and up to 10pm | 28 June-3 July | Yes – extension generally runs to 2am the following morning. | No, provided the premises already has on-sales alcohol permission until at least 11pm. | Check the precise kick-off time and existing licence hours. |
| Home nation quarter-final, semi-final, bronze medal match or final kicking off from 5pm to 9pm | 4-19 July | Yes – extension generally runs to 1am the following morning. | No, provided the premises already has on-sales alcohol permission until at least 11pm. | This is covered by the national relaxation where a home nation is playing. |
| Home nation quarter-final, semi-final, bronze medal match or final kicking off after 9pm and up to 10pm | 4-19 July | Yes – extension generally runs to 2am the following morning. | No, provided the premises already has on-sales alcohol permission until at least 11pm. | This is covered by the national relaxation where a home nation is playing. |
| Any match not involving a home nation | 4-19 July | No | Yes, if the premises wants to trade beyond existing licensed hours. | The Order is contingent on a home nation playing. |
| Any qualifying match where the premises licence or club premises certificate does not permit on-sales alcohol until at least 11pm | — | No | Yes | The premises must already be licensed for on-sales alcohol until at least 11pm to benefit. |
| Off-sales only premises | — | No | Usually yes, if additional licensable hours are needed. | The Order applies to alcohol sold for consumption on the premises. |
| Premises wanting activities outside the scope of the automatic extension | — | Not fully | Yes, where extra authorisation is needed. | For example, where existing permissions do not cover the activity or the extended period sought. |
Please take particular care if England or Scotland reach the final. The national extension will only benefit premises that are already licensed to sell alcohol until 11pm on Sunday 19 July 2026. If your Sunday licence ends earlier, for example at 10.30pm, the Order will not extend your hours and you will need a TEN if you want to remain open later.
Applying for a TEN
The following link will provide you with the application form for a TEN, once completed please send this to [email protected]. The Licensing Team will contact you for payment. Please note, the completed notice must be submitted at least 10 working days before the proposed event (excluding the event day and the day the notice is submitted). Late TENs may be given up to five working days before the proposed event excluding the event day and the day the notice is submitted.
Apply for a Temporary Event Notice
Preventing disturbance
The use of a TEN does not remove the obligation to promote the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of public nuisance, ensuring public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder.
Premises must take all reasonable steps to prevent disturbance to nearby residents, particularly during late night and early morning hours. Amplified sound, including match commentary, televisions and any music, must be maintained at a level that does not cause nuisance. Doors and windows should be kept closed where practicable, except for access and egress. External areas, including smoking areas, must be actively managed to prevent excessive noise, shouting or chanting.
Whilst some screenings may take place in external areas of the premises, this is strongly discouraged, as it significantly increases the likelihood of public nuisance and may adversely affect the consideration of future TEN applications for subsequent matches or other events should the Council receive complaints in relation to public nuisance. Premises should also implement an effective dispersal strategy to ensure customers leave the premises quietly and without delay.
Entry to the premises should be appropriately controlled, particularly during later hours. Adequate staffing levels must be maintained to effectively manage customer behaviour both inside and immediately outside the premises. Customers should not be permitted to congregate outside the premises in a manner likely to cause nuisance.
The Council expects all premises to manage these events responsibly and with due consideration for local residents. Failure to do so may result in enforcement action under relevant legislation. The Council may also consider further action under the Licensing Act 2003 where complaints are received in relation to the matters outlined in this letter.
We hope to receive your cooperation in relation to these matters and urge you to adhere to the guidance.
Last updated: 8 June 2026