Temporary rules allow licensed venues to apply for extended trading during selected World Cup fixtures. The report says at least 21 venues have received approval, with permission to remain open until 30 minutes after the final whistle.
However, approval comes with significant operating conditions. Venues must reportedly provide several licensed security guards, approved managers and a food service, potentially requiring a full kitchen team through the night.
For matches scheduled in the early morning, those staffing and food requirements appear to have made the business case too difficult for the Hillarys venues. The group had secured permission to show the games but decided the conditions made opening commercially unviable.
The decision affects Australia’s early-morning fixture this weekend, as well as other high-profile games involving England and Scotland. That removes three local gathering points at a tournament when pub viewing is usually central to the supporter experience.
The report says fans will still have a public alternative, with live matches scheduled for the Northbridge Piazza screen alongside fan-zone activities for Australia’s games. Private viewing and other approved venues are also likely to become more important for supporters unwilling to travel into the city.
The group has indicated that it could reassess its position if Australia, England or Scotland advances to the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals or final. The calculation would then change: later-stage matches typically carry greater attention and stronger demand than group-stage fixtures.
The next storyline is whether one of the three teams progresses far enough to justify another licensing application. Until then, Hillarys fans may need to make alternative plans for the tournament’s earliest kick-offs.