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Pressure is growing on John Swinney to relax licensing rules for the World Cup after he said Scotland’s qualification for the tournament can boost the economy.
The First Minister talked up the impact next year’s tournament could have on trade and exports during a keynote address to business leaders.
But he faced calls after the speech to also deliver a boost for domestic trade by allowing local fan parks for people to watch the matches and relaxing licensing requirements to allow pubs to show matches which will take place late at night or in the early hours of the morning.
In the speech to the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Mr Swinney said: ‘The Scottish football team has completely and utterly given us such a mood of optimism in Scotland.
‘This is actually a great opportunity for us to promote Scotland to an international audience because of the achievements of our football team.’
First Minister John Swinney enjoyed a drink with fans at Euro 24 in Munich
Football fans across Scotland will be following their team's fortunes in the World Cup
He said there is a great ‘opportunity’ from the team’s qualification for a World Cup for the first time since the Scottish parliament was set up, and added: ‘My invitation to everyone in the room tonight, in whatever business area you are in, whatever area of the economy – airports, restaurants, exporters, importers, universities, colleges, local chambers of commerce – we need to work together collaboratively to make sure we make the most of this magnificent opportunity.’
Hospitality leaders and MSPs have been urging the Scottish Government to give special dispensation to pubs to show matches during the World Cup.
The First Minister has been urged to relax restrictions on pubs for the World Cup
Stephen Montgomery, spokesman for the Scottish Hospitality Group, said: ‘I would call on the First Minister to encourage local authorities to engage with licensees to work to open up fan zones because it is a unique occasion at a time when hospitality needs an injection in the arm.
‘Late-night opening and community events could be a big boost. Even in community halls where a pub has been lost people could get together, because hospitality is all about community. Licensed premises are so important and benefit the economy.
‘It’s a unique occasion which we can’t let go and that’s what John Swinney said, so the Scottish Hospitality Group will work with him to ensure that happens.’
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex-Cole Hamilton has been demanding special dispensation for extended licensing hours for pubs, as well as fan parks to watch matches.
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