On the night of Sunday 14 July, pubs and bars across England and
Wales can keep their doors open until 1am as England bid to
become champions of Europe, Home Secretary has confirmed.
Following the Three Lions' emphatic semi-final win on Wednesday
night, the team is set to go head to head with Spain in the final
of the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship.
The heavyweight clash will kick off at 8pm, with fans up and down
the country coming together to show their support.
Pub licensing hours can be relaxed to mark occasions of
“exceptional national significance”, meaning pubs and bars will
be able to stay open for an extra 2 hours tomorrow evening.
Home Secretary said:
We're so proud of Gareth Southgate and the England team. It's
right that we can all come together tomorrow to enjoy the match
and—do we dare to dream?!—hopefully celebrate an England victory.
I want to pay special thanks to the police officers and first
responders who will be working across communities to keep us
safe.
I look forward to getting behind all our brilliant players, who
bring so much pride to our country, and I want to wish the team
the best of luck. Let's bring it home.
As well as bringing fans together for longer, tomorrow night's
extension is due to be a welcomed boost to the hospitality
industry.
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub
Association, said:
As with the semi-finals, pubs will be licensed to stay open until
1am on Sunday night and thanks to the Home Office for making the
changes to the licensing rules for allowing this to happen.
The changes give fans even more time to enjoy the game, support
our pubs and hopefully celebrate football finally coming
home.
Fans have shown us resoundingly this tournament that there is no
better place to watch our teams and soak up the atmosphere than
the great British pub. This Sunday the BBPA urges everyone to get
down their local, support our pubs and get behind the boys. Come
on England!
UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said:
The Euros have provided a huge boost for hospitality businesses
this summer, as fans pack pubs, bars and fan zones to come
together and cheer on the home nations.
The extended licensing hours for the final will allow venues and
fans to take advantage of the occasion, and hopefully celebrate
an historic England win.
