Call to extend pub opening hours if Scotland reach Euro 2024 knock-out stages

Calls have been made to allow pubs to stay open longer if Scotland progress beyond the group stage at Euro 2024.

Steve Clarke's side head to Germany next month to take part in the biggest tournament involving the men's national team since the World Cup in France more than 25 years ago.

The UK Government last night announced it would allow pubs to stay open as late as 1am on match days if a home nation reached the semi-finals stage.

But that move will only apply to licensed premises south of the Border - and licensing boards in Scotland have been called on to follow suit.

James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, said: "Over the coming weeks we will all be getting ready to support our home nations in what will be a busy summer of sport and a proud moment for Britain."

The Tory minister added: "This boost to the hospitality sector will allow friends, families and communities to come together for longer to watch their nation hopefully bring it home.”

Tartan Army stalwart Hamish Husband told the Record: "We’ve always had different licensing time to England and Wales since before devolution.

"But if the best Cleverly thinks England can do is get to the semi-final, we’ll raise a glass to him when Scotland are in the final.”

Industry chiefs say the competition could be a welcome boost to pubs and bars which have endured a rough few years due to the Covid pandemic.

Willie Rennie, Scottish Lib Dems economy spokesman, said: "The hospitality sector has had a rough few years so I am sure that anything that could drive trade would be greatly appreciated.

"Following in the footsteps of England and Wales and relaxing the rules to allow a proper celebration would be sensible step.

"I hope that Scotland has a fantastic summer of sport ahead."

Scotland qualified for the delayed European Championships in 2021 but that event saw matches at Hampden played in front of just 12,000 fans due to strict public health restrictions.

Pubs also saw their capacities slashed due to the pandemic and opening hours reduced.

Scotland have never managed to get past the group stage of a major international tournament but hopes are high they could finally do so next month.

Steve Clarke's side will play hosts Germany in the eagerly-awaited opening game of Euro 2024 on June 14.

UK Hospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “Euro 2024 is set to be a huge event for hospitality businesses this summer, as fans pack pubs and bars to cheer on the home nations.

"Major sporting events provide a huge revenue boost and extended hours are essential to allow venues and fans to take full advantage.”

The semi-finals are scheduled to take place on Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 July in Munich and Dortmund, with the final on Sunday 14 July in Berlin.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Licensing boards in Scotland are independent regulatory bodies and it is up to them whether or not they grant general extensions of licensed hours if they consider it appropriate to do so in connection with a special event of local or national significance.

"We are sure local licensing boards will respond sensitively to any individual requests made to adjust licensing hours taking into account the views of local communities and other key interests."

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