SLIEDRECHT, Netherlands – Local hospitality businesses in Sliedrecht, Netherlands, hoping to extend their opening hours during the 2026 FIFA World Cup will need to seek permission from the Sliedrecht municipality. The upcoming tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, presents a unique challenge for European venues, as many matches will be played during nighttime hours in the Netherlands.
According to the municipality, the local General Local Ordinance (APV) stipulates that public establishments, including cafes and bars, must close between 1:30 AM and 8:00 AM from Monday to Friday, and between 3:30 AM and 8:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays. Even though, Article 2:29, paragraph 4 of the APV does allow for exemptions, which are subject to review and approval by the local government.
The issue arose as the Netherlands national team, known as “Oranje,” is scheduled to play Tunisia on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 1:00 AM local time. The remaining group stage matches are too slated for late evening and overnight slots, creating a potential conflict with existing closing times. A win in the group stage could even push subsequent matches to a 3:00 AM start.
The concern isn’t just about the initial group games. As the tournament progresses, the potential for late-night matches increases, impacting businesses hoping to cater to fans eager to watch the games. The municipality’s regulations also impact outdoor terraces, which typically need to close an hour earlier than indoor establishments to minimize disturbance to local residents.
Recognizing the potential difficulties, Koninklijke Horeca Nederland (KHN), the Dutch hospitality industry association, has prepared a standard letter that business owners can utilize to request attention to the matter from their local authorities. This standardized approach aims to streamline the process of applying for exemptions and highlighting the economic benefits of extended hours during the World Cup.
The situation in Sliedrecht reflects a broader conversation happening across the Netherlands, and indeed throughout Europe, as businesses prepare for a World Cup played largely during sleeping hours for many fans. The need to balance the desire to accommodate viewers with the concerns of local residents regarding noise and disruption is a key challenge for municipalities.
For Sliedrecht’s hospitality sector, navigating the APV and securing necessary exemptions will be crucial to maximizing the economic opportunities presented by the 2026 World Cup. The process requires proactive engagement with the local government and a clear demonstration of how extended hours can benefit both businesses and the community. The municipality has indicated a willingness to consider requests, but emphasizes that each application will be evaluated on its own merits.
The timing of the tournament, with matches taking place across multiple time zones, adds another layer of complexity. Fans accustomed to watching games during traditional evening hours will find themselves needing to stay up late, or potentially seek out venues willing to open early, to follow the action. This shift in viewing habits underscores the importance of flexible regulations that can accommodate the unique demands of a global sporting event.
The KHN’s initiative to provide a standardized letter is a positive step towards facilitating communication between businesses and local authorities. It demonstrates a collaborative approach to addressing the challenges posed by the World Cup schedule and ensuring that the hospitality industry can play a full role in the festivities.
The municipality’s response, while formal, acknowledges the potential interest in extending opening hours to accommodate fans. The key takeaway for Sliedrecht’s businesses is that seeking an exemption is a necessary step to operate beyond the standard closing times outlined in the APV.
As the 2026 World Cup draws closer, expect further discussions and negotiations between hospitality businesses and local governments across the Netherlands. The goal will be to find a balance that allows fans to enjoy the tournament while minimizing disruption to local communities. The next step for Sliedrecht’s businesses is to submit their exemption requests and prepare for a potentially busy, and late-night, summer of football.
