Victorian pubs and licensed venues will be allowed to stay open overnight for the Socceroos’ next FIFA World Cup match, with the State Government granting automatic approval to extend trading hours ahead of the early morning kick-off.
The match will begin at 4am Melbourne time, outside the standard operating hours for many licensed venues. To accommodate football fans, the Allan Government will use its powers under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 to allow pubs and other licensed venues across Victoria showing the broadcast to remain open throughout the game.
Venues will be permitted to operate overnight, with the final service ending one hour after the match concludes.
The announcement is aimed at giving supporters the chance to gather in pubs and community venues to watch the Socceroos despite the unusually early start.
Premier Jacinta Allan said major sporting events help bring communities together and create a lively atmosphere across the state.
“The best thing about Victoria during the World Cup is watching our bars, streets and public spaces come to life,” she said.
The government will also host free live viewing sites at Federation Square and AAMI Park for supporters who prefer to watch the match at public venues.
AAMI Park will offer fans a free hot breakfast along with seating and extra space for the early morning event.
The move continues Victoria’s practice of using temporary licensing arrangements for major sporting occasions, allowing hospitality businesses to cater for increased demand while giving supporters more options to watch high profile matches.
The Socceroos will be chasing a place in the next stage of the tournament, with fans expected to gather across Melbourne despite the pre dawn kick-off. The extended trading hours are expected to provide a boost for hospitality venues while helping create a shared atmosphere for one of Australia’s biggest football fixtures.
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