Borders pubs allowed to open late for World Cup games

Pubs in the Scottish Borders will be allowed to remain open during Scotland's World Cup matches this summer - and for games involving any other home nations.

The men's national team is heading to North America to take part in its first World Cup since 1998.

However, due to the time difference its first match against Haiti will not kick off until 02:00 UK time on 14 June and the following two games - against Morocco and Brazil - start at 23:00.

Scottish Borders Council's licensing committee agreed that pubs could stay open until half an hour after the final whistle of matches involving any of the home nations.

The extended opening option will be in place throughout the tournament - which runs from 11 June to 19 July.

It will cover late kick-off games involving Scotland and England - and Northern Ireland or Wales if they should qualify via the play-offs.

However, for the matches which will not finish until about 04:00 or later, any licensed premises would have to notify licensing board officers of their intention to stay open to allow police to be informed.

Any plans to open village halls to show the games could be decided by officials under delegated powers but proposals for fan zones would have to apply for permission.

Marshall Douglas, the convener of the licensing board, said: "I think it gives the licensing trade the option to be open if they so wish.

"It is a totally different situation to what we have had before.

"There were a few options there and different councils are viewing it in different ways.

"We've looked at it and it's been fair to both the fans and the licensed premises and it gives everybody the chance to go along and watch a match in the evening if they so choose."

Neighbouring Dumfries and Galloway Council will deliver its decision next month when its licensing board meets.

Across the border in England, the government recently announced pubs will be able to stay open late for any home nation knockout match.

Councils across Scotland have been allowed to take their own approach to licensing for the World Cup games.