Sports minister needs to get a move on and extend licensing hours for Scots to enjoy World Cup

As Scotland learn their World Cup opponents, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has called on the Scottish Government to get a move on and start the process of extending licensing hours so fans can make the most of our return to the most-watched sporting event in the world.

The UK Government have now opened a six-week consultation into plans to allow pubs in England and Wales to open later.

Publicans including the chair of the Glasgow licensing forum, the boss of Edinburgh brewer Innis & Gunn and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association have backed his party’s plans for pubs to get special dispensation to show late night Scotland matches.

The party is also calling for grassroots sports clubs to be allowed to get involved and for stadiums and parks to host huge screens to beam back the games from the USA, Mexico and Canada.

Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:

"After 28 years away, fans here will want to treat every Scotland game like it is a final.

“If the Scottish Government gets behind the Scottish Liberal Democrats' proposals we can make this a summer to remember and deliver a welcome boost for our hospitality industry and the Scottish economy.

“I want to see pubs given special late-night licences to air Scotland’s games. Your local grassroots rugby or tennis club should be allowed to open up too because I'm sure their members would pack them out.

"And for the games earlier in the day, let’s get massive screens in parks and stadiums big and small.

“The UK Government has already opened a consultation about amending opening hours. Meanwhile the Scottish Government are stuck in the mud. The Sports Minister needs to pull their finger out and kickstart this process.

"We’ve already had fantastic support from the pub trade for our proposals. They’re ready to leap into action to throw a celebration that balances enjoyment with public safety.”