Fife Pubs Granted Extended Hours for Select World Cup Games
Pubs in Fife will be permitted to remain open later to broadcast certain World Cup matches this summer, including those featuring Scotland and England.
The licensing board of Fife Council has approved that establishments can stay open until 30 minutes after the conclusion of games involving these two teams.
This policy will also apply to the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final. Additionally, venues may apply for permission to extend hours for other specific matches if there is "clear local demand or community interest."
Councillor Carol Lindsay, who proposed the motion, stated, "The motion prioritises fixtures involving Scotland and England where we can expect the greatest level of attendances."
Match Schedule and Timings
Scotland's first match is scheduled to start at 02:00 on June 14 against Haiti.
Their remaining group stage games are on June 19 and June 24, facing Morocco and Brazil respectively, both starting at 23:00.
Licensing Requirements and Conditions
To qualify for the extended opening hours, venues must currently be licensed to provide televised sport and entertainment.
Those screening the matches are also encouraged to implement some form of ticketing system.
Kimberley Langley, depute clerk to the licensing board, explained, "There is no obligation for premises to take advantage of the extended hours."
She added, "Any person who is taking advantage would have to comply with any conditions on their current licence."
Fan Zones and Event Applications
Regarding fan zones, Langley confirmed that no applications have been submitted so far and that Dunfermline Athletic will not be hosting Euros-style screenings this time.
"Dunfermline are not doing it. They did it in the Euros and it was a success but they have decided that because of where they are situated where there are so many local residents, it could cause disruption," she said.
Langley also noted that Kirkcaldy ice rink has expressed interest in operating a fan zone, which would require submitting an application. If they seek a licence for a capacity exceeding their current limit, they must appear before the licensing board.
"I have seen on social media that Kirkcaldy ice rink are looking to operate and that will require applications. If they want a licence for more than the current capacity they will require to come before us," Langley said.
She further explained that an occasional licence takes six weeks to process and strongly encouraged early application submissions.
"I would strongly encourage them to put an application in as soon as possible," she added.
Board Perspective on the Decision
Board convener Councillor Tom Adams remarked that this decision sets a precedent for future events.
"This is the first that I can remember that we as a board have had to deal with anything like this," he said.
"We are locking down something for the future as well here. We will never please everyone. There are always going to be licensed premises complain about us making a decision and you will get licensed premises happy with the decision.
"It is a fair and balanced decision that we are making."
Story by local democracy reporter Clare Buchanan
