Pubs, clubs and bars across NSW will be able to stay open for longer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup which kicks off on Friday (local time).
The biggest sporting event on the planet will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 12 to July 20 (local dates) involving a record 48 nations.
Pubs, clubs and bars statewide will have their trading hours extended when they broadcast Australia’s group stage matches, all the knockout rounds (16 and 32) and the finals, the state government says.
Gaming and Racing Minister David Harris says the games are expected to draw strong crowds at NSW venues which he adds supports their drive for a strong night economy during major global events.
LONGER HOURS FOR PUBS
“Extended trading hours mean fans can come together and enjoy ‘the beautiful game’ while supporting local venues,” he says.
“With many World Cup games screening in the early hours of the morning, this is a great opportunity for fans to get together at their local pubs or clubs.
“These extended hours also provide a vital boost to our hospitality industry, a key pillar of our night-time economy, by enabling venues to serve more patrons, create more jobs and increase business activity.”
He says venues with extended hours must still abide with Responsible Service of Alcohol requirements with safety measures in place.
Australian Hotels Association NSW’s Director of Policy Chris Gatfield says they are pleased by the decision.
“We’re particularly pleased hotels will also be able to apply to trade earlier or later for the group matches through an application process,” he says.
SYDNEY’S LIVE SITES
Two free public live sites operating: at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, and Cathy Freeman Park, Sydney Olympic Park.
These sites will broadcast every Socceroos match live on giant screens while the Tumbalong Park site will also show finals matches .
The extended trading hours for the Darling Harbour site covers pubs and bars in the suburbs of Sydney, Pyrmont, Ultimo, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Haymarket, The Rocks, Barangaroo, Dawes Point, Millers Point, Elizabeth Bay, Potts Point, Rushcutters Bay and Woolloomooloo.
But the extension covers on-premises alcohol service only, not takeaway, and not for more pokies to open during those hours.
The Socceroos’ pool games at the World Cup are: versus Turkiye on 2pm on June 14 (AEST), vs USA at 5am on June 20 and vs Paraguay at 12pm on June 26.
Finals matches are also scheduled at Tumbalong Park from 10 July through to 20 July, including quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final.
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