Pubs to open longer to mark 75th VE Day anniversary

PUB licensing hours in England and Wales are to be extended to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day next year.

Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, said pubs, clubs and bars that are licensed to trade until 11pm will be allowed to open until 1am on both Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9.

It follows the Government’s decision to move the early May bank holiday in 2020 from Monday, May 4, to Friday, May 8, to make the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe a public holiday.

It will coincide with celebrations and community events across the UK to mark the contribution of British, Commonwealth and Allied Armed Forces personnel and citizens who contributed to the war effort and safeguarded the Home Front.

Ms Patel said: “VE Day is a landmark day in our history. Extending licensing hours will pave the way for commemorative events across the UK, so we can pay tribute to the courage and determination of the millions who fought for our freedom or supported the war effort at home.”

Government plans for “VEDAY75”, to be announced in due course, will look to evoke the spirit and significance of this year’s “D-day75” tributes, which saw large-scale events, with veterans at the heart of commemorations.

The extension of pub opening hours will be subject to a short consultation with the police, licensing authorities, industry, community groups and veterans’ organisations. It will also have to be voted on by Parliament.

Past national occasions where the Government has extended licensing hours include the royal wedding in 2018, the Queen’s 90th birthday in 2016, the 2014 World Cup, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and the royal wedding in 2011.

A licensing hours order can be used to relax licensing hours for the sale and supply of alcohol (on and off the premises); the provision of regulated entertainment (plays, live and recorded music, indoor sport, films and boxing and wrestling); and the sale of hot food and drink between 11pm and 5am.