Renfrewshire pubs are celebrating taking the game into extra-time after additional licensing hours were agreed for this summer’s World Cup.
The move will mean they can stay open until 30 minutes after the final whistle of any match as Scotland’s men compete at the tournament for the first time since 1998.
With several fixtures kicking off late at night because of time difference, the licensing board’s ruling ensures supporters can enjoy the football in local venues.
Roy Henderson, owner of De Beers in Paisley, said: “It will be fantastic. I think it’s a great decision to give us this chance and everyone is going to enjoy it.
“All the staff are very excited about it. They’re already fighting over shifts and it’s a couple of months away because they really want to be a part of this moment.
“You would think that people don’t want to work until that time in the morning but unexpectedly they do. They want to be a part of history.
“Hopefully Scotland can do something special.”
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The extension is to allow venues to show televised matches and only applies to premises that meet specific criteria, including already showing televised sport as part of their operating plan.
It follows similar decisions by other licensing boards across Scotland, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, and will run from June 11 to July 19.
Elaine Templeton, chair of Paisley First, the business improvement district, said: “It’s great news that Paisley town centre pubs will be able to stay open late to show all the matches during the World Cup.
“The licensed trade in particular has struggled to bounce back from the cost-of-living crisis, plus changing habits after the pandemic, especially with so many people still not back in the office five days a week.
“This will be a much-needed boost for pubs in Paisley.
“This decision means that everyone can come together to cheer on Steve Clarke and the boys this summer.
“The atmosphere is going to be amazing. We can’t wait, World Cup fever begins now.”
Only indoor areas are covered by the extension and participating premises must meet certain conditions, including notifying Renfrewshire Council’s licensing team and Police Scotland at least 48 hours before any extended‑hours opening; operating a late‑night curfew for matches beginning after 1am; and ensuring no entertainment, such as live music, DJs or karaoke, continues past the standard licensing hours.
Earlier this month, Councillor Cathy McEwan, convener of Renfrewshire Licensing Board, said: “We want people across Renfrewshire to enjoy the matches in a safe, well‑managed environment and [this] decision supports both our hospitality sector and our communities.
“By setting out clear conditions and safeguards, we are striking the right balance between celebration and responsibility, as we all look forward to seeing Scotland on the world stage once again.”
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