Football fans will be excited to know that the city’s Licensing Board has approved venues showing the football to stay open until half an hour after the final whistle of a match.
For Scotland’s games kicking off at 11pm and 2am UK time, this could leave some venues open past 4am.
Excited about the plans, third-year student Thomas told The Student:
“I’ll be watching all the Scotland matches. I bleed blue, and I want to see Andy Robertson [Scotland’s captain] lifting that trophy… did I stutter?”
Qualifying venues will be required to have a permanent premises licence (for serving alcohol), be serving alcohol, and be showing live television in their operating plan.
Of 159 venues that responded to the council’s consultation, over 94 per cent indicated that they would be taking advantage of the extension, and over 60 per cent intend to show matches throughout the tournament.
Asked about where he would go to watch the matches, Thomas said: “Southsider, of course. I went for the Super Bowl, and it was a great place to stay until the early hours.”
Some councillors and Police Scotland raised concerns over potential public disorder and domestic violence being exacerbated by longer opening times. While the extension was ultimately approved, the council reserves the right to amend it if these concerns prove to be an issue.
Adding to these concerns, third-year student Naomi expressed sympathy for bar staff who will be working extra late during the Cup.
Image by Martha Fiddick for The Student.