FIFA World Cup 2026: guidance for licensed premises
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), in partnership with UKHospitality, the British Institute of Innkeeping, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and supported by the Institute of Licensing, has issued national guidance to support licensed premises during the FIFA World Cup (11 June to 19 July 2026) (PDF, 866.99 KB).
Key expectations for premises
Early engagement and compliance
Premises should engage with the Police and Licensing Authority at an early stage, review licence conditions, and submit Temporary Event Notices (TENs) where required.
Event planning and capacity management
Operators should plan for increased demand, particularly for home nation fixtures, ensuring safe capacity levels, controlled entry, and prevention of overcrowding.
Staffing and supervision
Adequate numbers of trained staff must be on duty, including a DPS or personal licence holder. Staff should be briefed on responsibilities and local risks.
Responsible alcohol sales
It is an offence to serve alcohol to intoxicated persons. Premises must take steps to prevent excessive drinking.
Safety and security
Premises should ensure appropriate measures are in place, which may include CCTV, use of polycarbonate or toughened glassware, management of smoking areas, and SIA door supervision where appropriate. Counter-terrorism awareness is also encouraged.
Premises layout and outdoor areas
Screening arrangements should be carefully considered. Outdoor events must be risk assessed, including noise, structures, and crowd management.
Risk assessment and partnership working
Premises are strongly encouraged to complete written risk assessments and work closely with partners including Police, Licensing, and Pubwatch schemes.
Extended licensing hours
The government has confirmed a national Licensing Hours Order for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in England and Wales.
Automatic extensions apply only where both conditions are met:
- the match is in the knockout stages (round of 32 onwards)
- a home nation (England or Scotland) is playing
Where applicable, premises currently licensed until 11pm may extend hours:
- until 1am (matches kicking off between 5pm and 9pm)
- until 2am (matches kicking off between 9pm and 10pm)
Important:
- The extension does not apply to group stage matches
- It does not apply where no home nation is playing
- Matches outside the stated kick-off times are excluded
- For all other fixtures, a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) will be required
Apply for a temporary event notice
Pay a temporary event notice fee
From 1 January 2024, the number of temporary event notices that a premises user can give is 15 per calendar year. The maximum number of days a temporary event may be held at a premises is 21 days per calendar year.
To hold a one-off event, you need to supply a temporary event notice to us at least 10 working days before the planned event. We will then consult with the Police and Environmental Health.
The notice should tell us:
- if alcohol will be supplied
- details of any licensable activities
- the event period (no more than 7 days, with at least 24 hours between events)
- times when activities will take place
- the number of people proposed to be allowed on the premises (maximum 499 at any one time)
If the Police or Environmental Health has any objections, they may serve an objection notice which will result in a hearing.
It is a criminal offence to carry out unlicensed activities and, if convicted, you could be given a £20,000 fine.
Apply for a temporary event notice (PDF, 253.41 KB)
You need to email licensing@enfield.gov.uk with your completed application and pay the fee online.
If your application is unsuccessful, you may appeal to a magistrates' court within 21 days of the decision.
For more information see:
- our fees page for the relevant fee
- our online Licence Register where all applications and licences are recorded
- GOV.UK for the rules about temporary event notices