Pubs across England and Wales will have the opportunity to extend their opening hours to 1am this summer, if either the England or Scotland football teams make it to the semi-finals of Euro 2024. The government has announced that venues will be allowed to stay open for an additional two hours on match days, in celebration of “exceptional national significance”.
The decision, announced by Home Secretary James Cleverly, is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the hospitality industry, which has been struggling in the face of rising energy prices and the ongoing cost of living crisis. The move follows a consultation held last year and will apply to all venues in England and Wales, while Scotland and Northern Ireland will have the discretion to set their own licensing rules.
The semi-finals of Euro 2024 will take place in Germany on Tuesday 9 July and Wednesday 10 July, with the final scheduled for Sunday 14 July. Kate Nicholls, CEO of trade body UK Hospitality, has praised the extended hours, stating that they are “essential to allow venues and fans to take full advantage” of the tournament. Similarly, Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, believes that this move will “cut red tape” and make it easier for businesses to operate during this busy period.
The decision to extend pub opening hours for major sporting events is not a new concept for the UK government. In the past, closing times have been pushed back for occasions such as royal weddings, the Queen’s 90th birthday, and the World Cup. Last year, during the King’s coronation weekend, pub opening times were also extended.
The legislation to enact this change will be laid in parliament on Wednesday, to ensure that there is enough time for it to be debated and passed before the start of the tournament. A spokesperson for the Scottish government has stated that it will be up to local licensing boards to decide whether or not to allow pubs to extend their opening hours.
While England fell short of European glory in the COVID-delayed Euro 2020, losing to Italy in the final, there is hope that they will go one step further this summer and potentially bring home a major trophy for the first time since the 1966 World Cup. Scotland is the only other home nation to have qualified for the tournament, while Wales narrowly missed out on a place after losing to Poland in a penalty shootout in Cardiff last month.
In addition to the excitement surrounding the tournament, the UK is also preparing for the hottest day of the year, which is forecasted to occur later this week. Ahead of the Euros, the police have briefed England’s stars on how to stay safe and avoid any potential incidents.
The extension of pub opening hours for the Euros is just one of the ways in which the UK government is working to support the hospitality industry and bring people together in celebration of national events. As the tournament approaches, many are hoping for a successful performance from the England and Scotland teams, and the opportunity to cheer them on with a cold beer in hand until 1am.
