The Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2026

Published: Mon 13th Jul 26

Adjusted the licensing hour extensions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to account for match delays and postponements.

This Order modifies the licensing framework for premises in England and Wales during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

It directs that existing licensing hour extensions for specific matches—including quarter-finals, semi-finals, the third-place play-off, and the final involving England—be automatically adjusted in the event of match delays, postponements, or re-plays.

The instrument applies to premises regulated under the Licensing Act 2003, permitting them to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises for an additional period ending either 30 minutes after a match concludes or at specified hourly limits, depending on the circumstances of the fixture.

Arguments For

The order states that the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents an occasion of exceptional national significance, justifying extended licensing hours.
The Secretary of State asserts that the amendments are necessary to ensure licensing extensions remain functional if matches are delayed, overrun their scheduled duration, or are postponed.
Proponents may argue that the order provides clarity for businesses and local authorities by establishing automatic extensions linked to the practical conclusion of a match rather than a fixed clock time.
The document notes that the Secretary of State conducted consultations with appropriate persons prior to making the order, as required under the Licensing Act 2003.

Arguments Against

Legal scholars may note that the order was made on July 10th and came into force on July 11th, providing businesses and enforcement agencies with minimal notice for implementation.
Public health or local government groups might argue that extending licensing hours until as late as 12 noon the following day could increase the risk of alcohol-related disorder or public nuisance.
Critics may question the lack of a full impact assessment, despite the document's claim that the expected impacts are similar to previous assessments.
The complexity of the formula for determining the "specified time" (linking it to 30 minutes post-conclusion or specific hourly thresholds) could lead to confusion regarding enforcement and compliance among premises license holders.

Citation, commencement and extent

-(1) This Order may be cited as the Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2026 and comes into force on 11th July 2026.

(2) This Order extends to England and Wales.

This section establishes the official name of the statutory instrument and mandates that it takes legal effect on July 11, 2026.

It further specifies that the geographic jurisdiction of these regulations is limited to England and Wales.

Amendment of the Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) Order 2026

-(1) The Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) Order 2026( 2 ) is amended as follows.

(2) In article 2-

(a) the existing text becomes paragraph (1), and
(b) after paragraph (1) insert-

'(2) Where the conditions in paragraph (3) are satisfied, the end of the period in subparagraphs (l) to (p) of paragraph (1) is extended to the earlier of-

(a) thirty minutes after the conclusion (or abandonment) of the match referred to in the relevant sub-paragraph, or
(b) 12 noon on the day following the day on which the match begins.

(3) The conditions in this paragraph are-

(a) a match referred to in sub-paragraphs (l) to (p) of paragraph (1), has begun in the period starting with the scheduled start time referred to in the relevant subparagraph and ending at 12 noon the next day, and
(b) the conclusion of the match is delayed so that the match will not conclude before thirty minutes before the end of the period specified in that sub-paragraph.

(4) Where a match referred to in sub-paragraphs (l) to (p) of paragraph (1) is-

(a) postponed to begin on a day other than the day on which it was scheduled to start (except where the conditions in paragraph (3) are satisfied), or
(b) abandoned and later resumed, or re-played, on a day other than the day on which it was scheduled to start,

the period specified in paragraph (5) is also a 'specified time' for the purposes of article 3.

(5) The period specified in this paragraph is the period in relation to the day on which the match is played, resumed or re-played which-

(a) begins-
(i) on a Sunday, at 10 p.m.,
(ii) on all other days, at 11 p.m., and
(b) ends at the later of-
(i) 1 a.m. the following day, or
(ii) thirty minutes after the conclusion of the match referred to in paragraph (4).'

This section modifies the original 2026 licensing order to provide flexibility for match timing changes.

It permits licensing hours to extend until 30 minutes after a match ends (or until noon the following day) if a match overruns its scheduled time. Additionally, it establishes new 'specified times' for licensing if a match is postponed or re-played on a different day, starting at 10 p.m. on Sundays or 11 p.m. on other days, and ending at the later of 1 a.m. the next day or 30 minutes after the game finishes.

These provisions apply to the knockout stages of the tournament involving England, including the final.

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