Pubs and bars to stay open late on May 8th for VE Day 80th anniversary

The Government has announced that pubs and bars that usually close at 23:00 will be able to stay open for an extra two hours on Thursday, 8 May, keeping them open until 01:00 on May 9^th. This licensing extension is in celebration of the 80^th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, more commonly known as VE Day. This is the day that marks the end of World War II in Europe and is celebrated on May 8th.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the whole country should come together to remember the incredible sacrifices made by the wartime generation and to celebrate the peace and freedom they secured for us all. Keeping our pubs open for longer will give people the opportunity to join in celebrations and raise a glass to all of the men and women who served their country, both overseas and at home.”

Commenting on the decision to extend licensing hours for this celebration, Poppleston Allen managing Partner Graeme Cushion said “It will be interesting to have sight of an Order in due course but given the economic challenges facing the pub industry at present, any extension of opening hours will surely be welcomed and particularly in celebration of such an important part of our history.”

He continues: “If the Order is similar to those made in the past extending opening hours for national special occasions such as the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022 and His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation in May 2023, then the hours alcohol can be sold in pubs and premises licensed for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises in England and Wales will be extended to 0100 on 9th May 2025. It won’t extend hours for premises already licensed to 0100 and will not extend hours entertainment can be provided nor will the extension apply to premises only licensed to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises.”

As with similar Orders granted by the Government, it will be very important to carefully consider the exact terms of your premises licence and the impact the Order will have on this.

The official announcement can be read here.

For further information on this or any other licensing issues, contact licensing solicitor Suraj Desor on s.desor@popall.co.uk or call 0115 953 8500.