New pub opening hour laws in England from this Wednesday
Euro 2024 England fans will be able to sup up until 1am thanks to a change of law
Pubs in England will be allowed to open later this Wednesday as England take on the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final.
Gareth Southgate’s boys will be looking to book a place in the final against either France or Spain but will face their sternest test yet against the Dutch after squeaking past Switzerland on penalties.
And fans looking to cheer on the Three Lions from their local boozer will be able to enjoy the celebrations (or commiserations) long into the wee hours thanks to a change in licensing laws just for Wednesday night.
Pubs will be allowed to open for an extra two hours, until 1am instead of 11pm, for an early morning last orders, after the match on Wednesday.
Former Home Secretary James Cleverly had promised in May that licensing hours for pubs would be extended if either England or Scotland progressed to the semi finals of the tournament.
Pubs normally shut at 11pm but ministers can choose to relax hours for special occasions if they are of “exceptional national significance.”
Pub opening times were last extended in 2023 for the King’s coronation weekend.
On Wednesday, legislation will be laid in Parliament for the new Labour government to approve the opening times extension.
The England match kicks off at 8pm and could finish later than 10.30pm if it goes to extra time and then penalties.
The final will then take place at 8pm on Sunday, July 14.
