Pubs and bars across England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 1am on Sunday, July 14th, as England competes in the final of the UEFA European Football
Championship. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed the extension of licensing hours following England's impressive semi-final victory on Wednesday.
The Three Lions will face Spain in the championship match, which kicks off at 8pm. Fans nationwide are expected to gather in support of their team.
Licensing hours can be extended for events of "exceptional national significance," allowing pubs and bars to remain open for an additional two hours on Sunday evening.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper 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. Photo by Jurajko444, Wikimedia commons.