Gothenburg politicians are reportedly preparing to break with tradition by allowing bars to serve alcohol until 6 AM during the upcoming World Cup, according to local media reports. The red-green coalition governing the city is expected to submit a proposal for temporary extended serving permits to accommodate fans watching matches played at inconvenient times due to the North American time zones.
Klara Holmin, a Green Party politician and chair of Gothenburg's environment and climate committee, stated that the city wants to enable 'a real football festival' for residents. 'It's a unique situation,' Holmin was quoted as saying, noting that Sweden's first match against Tunisia on June 15 kicks off at 4 AM Swedish time.
It's a unique situation
Currently, Swedish municipalities typically do not permit alcohol service beyond 5 AM on weekends and 3 AM on weekdays. The proposal would allow bars without existing late-night permits to apply for temporary extensions until 6 AM specifically during the tournament.
In contrast to Gothenburg's approach, Social Democrat leader Emilia Bjuggren in Stockholm indicated that extending service beyond 5 AM would require different regulatory changes in the capital. The Gothenburg proposal requires approval from the municipal council before bars can submit individual applications for the extended hours.
a real football festival