LIQUOR licensing laws have been relaxed during the World Cup to allow specific hotels and sporting clubs to open for fans in the early hours.

Ahead of the opening games this week, the State Government has received 13 limited license applications from pubs and sporting clubs to extend trading hours.

The time difference between Adelaide and World Cup host Brazil, means matches will be screened after 1am.

Hotels need a special trading license to sell liquor after 1am and a CBD lockout prevents patrons entering venues after 3am.

At least three exemptions have been granted while officials said the remainder of the applications were under “consultation” between police and local councils.

Consumer and Business Services, which oversees licensing laws, refused to name the venues.

Most applications in Adelaide are for venues across the metropolitan area, while four are from pubs within the central business district.

Adelaide City Council is also hosting events in Victoria Square, which include a giant television screen and family-friendly activities.

Liquor and Gambling acting commissioner Dini Soulio said venues which won the right to open late must continue to operate within the existing late night liquor laws.

He said the number of applications was similar to those received during the previous World Cup, which was held in South Africa and also posed time difference issues.

Host nation Brazil opens the World Cup against Croatia at 5am on Friday morning, Adelaide time.

Australia kicks off its campaign at 7.30am the next day against Chile. It also plays the Netherlands and Spain in its group games.

Both of those games are scheduled for a 1.30am start.

Coopers Ale House manager Nick Sando said the city-based pub had been granted a special license for Socceroos games.

“There definitely has been a lot of interest, everyone is getting on the bandwagon,” he said.

City officials said festivities in Victoria Square would start from 4am on Saturday.

Spectators are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to watch on screens erected on the square’s lawn as limited heating and cover is available.

On Sunday Uruguay play Costa Rica, England takes on Italy and then the Ivory Coast battle Japan.

World Cup match fixtures for finals are not known in advance but depend on results in qualifying rounds.

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