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

The Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2026 (SI 2026 No. 742) represents a targeted legislative intervention to further adjust alcohol licensing hours in England and Wales for specific matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This Order amends the principal Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) Order 2026 (SI 2026 No. 520), which initially provided for extended hours during knockout stages where England or Scotland are playing. The amendment specifically extends hours for a Round of 16 match scheduled for 6th July 2026, allowing premises to remain open for seven hours from 10 p.m. on 5th July. Furthermore, it brings forward the start time for the final match extension from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m. if a home nation participates. This article explores the practical implications for licensed premises and the broader regulatory framework under the Licensing Act 2003.

The landscape of alcohol licensing in England and Wales is periodically shaped by specific statutory instruments designed to accommodate events of exceptional national significance. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, a major international sporting event, has prompted such legislative action, culminating in the recent enactment of The Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2026 (SI 2026 No. 742). This latest amendment builds upon the earlier Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) Order 2026 (SI 2026 No. 520), introducing crucial adjustments to the extended licensing hours regime.

For legal professionals advising clients in the hospitality sector, understanding the nuances of these Orders is paramount. The amendments directly impact the operational flexibility of licensed premises, particularly pubs, bars, and clubs, by granting automatic extensions to their permitted hours for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises during designated matches. This article will delve into the specifics of the Amendment (No. 2) Order, its relationship with the principal 2026 Order and the overarching Licensing Act 2003, and the practical considerations for practitioners navigating these temporary regulatory changes.

The foundation of alcohol and entertainment licensing in England and Wales is laid by the Licensing Act 2003 (c. 17). This seminal legislation consolidated six previous licensing regimes into a single framework, administered by local licensing authorities. The Act's primary objectives, which underpin all licensing decisions, are the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The 2003 Act introduced a more flexible system, moving away from rigid closing times and allowing for premises licences, personal licences, and Temporary Event Notices (TENs) to authorise licensable activities.

Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003 empowers the Secretary of State to make orders extending licensing hours for occasions of exceptional national significance. This power has been invoked for various major events, including previous FIFA World Cups, European Championships, and significant royal occasions. In anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, The Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) Order 2026 (SI 2026 No. 520) was made, providing for extended hours during specified knockout-stage matches where a men's senior team representing England or Scotland plays. This principal Order specifically applied to on-sales of alcohol and, where applicable, late-night refreshment, but notably excluded group-stage fixtures, off-sales, and regulated entertainment beyond existing permissions.

The Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2026 (SI 2026 No. 742) serves to refine and expand the provisions of the initial 2026 Order. Its primary function is to make "further provision in connection with the 2026 FIFA World Cup." Specifically, the amendment addresses two key areas. Firstly, it extends licensing hours for licensed premises and qualifying clubs for a period of seven hours, commencing at 10 p.m. on 5th July 2026. This extension is directly linked to a particular Round of 16 match scheduled to kick off at 1 a.m. on 6th July 2026. This addresses a potential gap in the original Order, which might not have adequately covered matches with very late or early kick-off times due to time zone differences with the host nations.

Secondly, the Amendment (No. 2) Order alters the specified time for the final match of the tournament, scheduled for 8 p.m. on 19th July 2026, should England be involved. The extension for this match will now begin at 10 p.m. instead of the 11 p.m. start time originally stipulated in the principal 2026 Order. This earlier start to the extension provides an additional hour of extended trading for premises where a home nation reaches the final, offering greater flexibility and potentially enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. The remainder of the principal 2026 Order remains unchanged.

Crucially, these statutory extensions mean that premises falling within the scope of the Orders do not need to apply for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) to benefit from the extended hours. TENs, while a valuable tool for ad hoc events, come with their own set of limitations, including restrictions on the number of events per year, duration, and attendee capacity. The blanket extension provided by these Orders simplifies compliance for many licensees. However, it is vital to remember that these extensions apply only to the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises and, where applicable, late-night refreshment, provided alcohol is also being sold. They do not extend permissions for regulated entertainment or off-sales, nor do they apply to group-stage fixtures. Licensees must ensure that their existing premises licence or club premises certificate already permits activities that immediately precede or continue into the specified extended times.

The Secretary of State's decision to enact these Orders follows consultation with appropriate persons, as required by section 172(4) of the Licensing Act 2003. While no significant impact on the private, voluntary, or public sector was foreseen for the amendment, the underlying principle of balancing economic benefit with the licensing objectives remains critical. Local authorities and police forces will continue to monitor compliance with the four licensing objectives – the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm – even during these extended periods.

For practising attorneys, the Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2026 necessitates a careful review of client operations to ensure full compliance and maximisation of the afforded opportunities. Licensed premises should be advised to verify the specific dates and times covered by both the principal 2026 Order and this amendment, paying close attention to the conditions regarding home nation participation and the type of licensable activity permitted. While the automatic extension removes the need for TENs for the specified matches, existing licence conditions, particularly those related to the licensing objectives, remain in full force and must be rigorously adhered to.

Practitioners should guide clients on the importance of maintaining robust operational controls, including staffing levels, responsible alcohol service, crowd management, and adherence to public safety protocols. Engagement with local police and licensing authorities, even in the absence of a formal application process for these extensions, is always advisable to pre-empt any potential issues. As major sporting events continue to prompt bespoke legislative responses, legal professionals must remain vigilant to such temporary amendments, ensuring their advice reflects the most current regulatory landscape to support the hospitality sector effectively while upholding the public interest.