Breaking News - Government response to consultation to relax licensing hours during FIFA World Cup

Following the short consultation on relaxing licensing hours for the World Cup, the Government has today published its response, which can be found here.

In brief, the Government has concluded that England playing in the World Cup is an occasion of exceptional national significance and so will proceed with the relaxation of hours as follows:

• Relaxation of hours during England matches with a scheduled kick off time of 20.00 or later;
• Only sale of alcohol and late night refreshment for consumption on the premises will be extended; and
• The relaxations will last four hours with a latest terminal hour of 01.00.

Any premises requiring licensed hours beyond the above or wanting to provide licensable activities other than alcohol and late night refreshment will need to submit Temporary Event Notices.

A Licensing Order will still be required to formally relax the hours and this should follow in due course.