Wolverhampton pubs get later World Cup hours

Wolverhampton pubs and bars are being invited to use extended opening hours during selected World Cup 2026 matches involving England or Scotland.

City of Wolverhampton Council said the change follows a government Licensing Hours Order for the tournament’s later stages. It allows eligible licensed venues in England and Wales to keep serving alcohol later than usual when the qualifying conditions are met.

The council notice was released on Thursday 11 June 2026 and is aimed at helping local venues plan ahead for knockout-stage fixtures, staffing and customer demand.

Venues covered by the extended hours

The national extension applies to licensed premises that are already authorised to trade until 11pm. In Wolverhampton, that means pubs and bars with existing permissions may be able to remain open beyond their usual cut-off for qualifying matches.

The permission covers the sale and supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises. It can also cover late night refreshment, but only where the venue’s existing premises licence already allows it.

The order does not automatically rewrite every licence condition. Door supervision, capacity limits, noise controls, outside-area restrictions and other existing conditions still matter.

Later closing times for England and Scotland matches

The extended hours depend on the kick-off time of the match. The council said the change applies when England or Scotland are playing in eligible knockout-stage fixtures.

Matches that start before 5pm or after 10pm are not covered by the national extension. Venues that want to trade later for those games would need to look at a separate Temporary Event Notice route through the local authority.

Knockout rounds included in the order

The Licensing Hours Order applies beyond the group stage. For World Cup 2026, Wolverhampton venues can use it for England or Scotland fixtures in these rounds:

• Round of 32
• Round of 16
• Quarter-finals
• Semi-finals
• Third-place play-off
• Final

For all other World Cup matches, normal licensing hours remain in place. That means a venue showing a neutral fixture, a group-stage game, or a match outside the qualifying kick-off windows cannot rely on the national extension.

Temporary Event Notices remain an option

Where a match is not covered, individual licensed premises may submit a Temporary Event Notice if they want to stay open later. A TEN is the usual short-term route for premises seeking temporary permission for licensable activity outside their existing approval.

Venues will need to check their own licence before making plans. The national order only helps premises that already meet the conditions, and it does not remove the need to manage public safety, noise and responsible alcohol sales.

Council and police to monitor celebrations

Councillor Stephen Simkins, Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, said major sporting events such as the World Cup are a chance for local pubs, bars and hospitality venues to benefit from extra trade.

He said the council was pleased to support extended licensing hours so residents could come together during the tournament, while adding that the authority would work with West Midlands Police and partners to help keep people safe.

“It’s important that people celebrate responsibly and respect those around them,” Councillor Simkins said.

Source: City of Wolverhampton Council