Government announces proposed relaxation of licensing laws for Euro 2024

Today, the Government have issued the draft legislation to relax the licensing laws for the semi-finals and final of the Euros 2024.

The Licensing Act 2003 (UEFA European Football Championship Licensing Hours) Order 2024 relaxes the Licensing Act 2003 for matches involving England and/or Scotland, if they reach the semi-finals and/or the final of UEFA Euro 2024.

The order will permit on-licensed premises already licensed to sell alcohol until at least 11pm to benefit from an automatic extension to these hours until 1am the following morning. This extension is automatic and is wholly contingent on England or Scotland reaching either the semi or the final. The extension does not apply to any other team. Late-night refreshment will only be extended in premises also licensed for on-sales of alcohol.

The relaxation applies to premises in England and Wales only, and does not apply to off-sales of alcohol or regulated entertainment.

Further, if a premises is already licensed until 1am on that date, they will not attain any benefit.

A full copy of the order can be seen here.