World Cup day off dilemma for local councils

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An Ayrshire local authority is yet to decide if a World Cup bank holiday is given to staff this summer, while it’s neighbours have already made up their minds.

East Ayrshire Council are still in discussions if an extra day off is necessary to mark Scotland’s first global tournament appearance since 1998.

Warnings have come from the authority surrounding costs, which could reach around £250,000, with officers recommending a vote against the additional holiday to calm financial pressures.

Scots boss Steve Clarke’s native North Ayrshire Council has already agreed to the holiday, while South Ayrshire Council went the opposite way to reject it with financial matters in mind.

While the day off decision is to made, East Ayrshire have permitted the extension of licencing hours for local pubs, starting with the Haiti fixture on June 14.

A spokesperson from the local authority said: “The Board agreed that any licence holder wishing to open should submit one Extended Hours application for three Scotland games, free of charge.

“Should Scotland progress further in the tournament, further extended hours applications may be lodged free of charge.”

The council has listed conditions such as broadcasting permissions, ticket entry, and venue closure deadlines to be in place for the extended hours to remain.

Total costs have been announced for South and North Ayrshire, who have to submit pub licencing applications by tomorrow (March 31), following their final decisions on the holiday.

£100,000 was the total for South Ayrshire to manage their staff, which they believe “could not be justified”, as North Ayrshire have rounded up to £73,000 in covering overtime.

North Ayrshire Council leader Tony Guerney believes there is a “great deal of anticipation” ahead of the summer tournament with the public holiday being permitted for his associated region.

The Tartan Army kick off their World Cup journey in Boston on 14 June, where they face Haiti with a 2am kick off.

Matches for the nation to follow after the opening fixture include clashes against Morocco (June 19) and Brazil (24 June).