Friday October 23rd 2026
Edinburgh City Chambers, where councillors will vote on proposals to extend businesses’ opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period.
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Nicholas Malizia
Councillors will vote this week to allow businesses to stay open later than normal during a two-week period this festive season.
Businesses are granted permission each year to remain open two hours after their usual closing time around the Christmas and New Year period. Each year the exact date of the extension is subject to change.
The vote will take place at the Licensing Board meeting on October 26, 2026. In previous years the board has begun the festive period allowing for a full weekend of trading before Christmas Day.
Therefore festive extended period is proposed to extend from December 18 until January 2.
Policy documents from the board read: “During the Christmas and New Year period (set from year to year but with a fixed 02 January end date in each year) a two-hour extension to the usual terminal hour of the premises concerned is regarded as acceptable in the normal course of events.”
Edinburgh councillors approved a similar period this past Fringe season from August 7 to August 31. It allowed city venues to lengthen their opening time by two hours during the summer festival.
This year’s holiday extension will only apply if a license holder’s operating plan indicates they will take advantage of the extended trading during festive periods.
Otherwise, an application must be made seeking permission for extended hours, with reference to the specific days and hours when trading is intended.
If approved by councillors on Monday, the festive extended period dates will be published on the Council’s website and social media platforms.
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