NORTH East MSP Douglas Lumsden has urged the Aberdeenshire Licensing Board to “do the right thing” and grant local pubs a blanket extension for Scotland’s historic World Cup campaign this summer.
The plea comes after Aberdeen City Council became the first in Scotland to approve a game-changing 3 AM “blanket extension” for the duration of the tournament. With Steve Clarke’s men heading to North America for their first World Cup since 1998, fans in the city are already planning for 2 AM kick-offs—and Lumsden believes Shire residents shouldn’t be left in the dark.
The North American Time Trap
Because the 2026 World Cup is being hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the USA, the kick-off times for the Tartan Army are a logistical nightmare for traditional pub hours.
Scotland’s Group C fixtures:
- Haiti vs Scotland: Sunday, June 14 (2 AM BST kick-off)
- Morocco vs Scotland: Friday, June 19 (11 PM BST kick-off)
- Brazil vs Scotland: Wednesday, June 24 (11 PM BST kick-off)
Under the city’s approved plans, bars and restaurants can stay open until 3 AM throughout the tournament, with an extra 30 minutes of drinking-up time allowed after the final whistle of Scotland games—regardless of whether they go to extra time.
‘A No-Brainer’ for the Local Economy
Lumsden has written a formal letter to the Aberdeenshire Licensing Board, arguing that the hospitality sector—still recovering from years of economic hardship—cannot afford to miss out on the multi-million pound boost the tournament will bring.
“It’s a no-brainer that pubs should be allowed to open later for Scotland’s World Cup games,” Lumsden said. “At a time when bars are battling for survival, there is no better place to enjoy the matches than in your local over a few pints with your mates. The hospitality industry must reap the rewards of the Tartan Army’s achievements.”
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson confirmed the situation is “developing” and will be considered in due course. However, with the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) now pressuring every licensing board in the country to follow Aberdeen’s lead, the pressure is on the Shire to act fast.
Peter’s Verdict: Let the People Party!
Look, we’ve waited nearly 30 years to see Scotland back on the world stage. The idea of fans having to watch a 2 AM opener against Haiti in their living rooms because the local pub had to kick them out at midnight is ludicrous.
Aberdeen has shown real leadership here. By granting a blanket extension, they’ve removed the red tape for small business owners and guaranteed a safe, communal atmosphere for the fans. Aberdeenshire needs to step up and match that ambition. If John Swinney is serious about making the day after the Haiti game a national holiday, the least the councils can do is let us stay for the final whistle!
Shire fans—would you head to the pub for a 2 AM kick-off, or are you staying on the sofa? Let us know in the comments!
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Aberdeen fan with years of experience in the sports media industry, Peter provides expert analysis and a dedicated "Dons" perspective on the Scottish game. He is passionate about giving a voice to fans across the entire Scottish football pyramid.
