The UEFA European Football Championship Licensing Hours Order is now in force

It is official. The dream of ‘football coming home’ is still alive as this weekend England emerged victorious against Switzerland, advancing to the semi-finals where they will face The Netherlands

This now mean’s that the UEFA European Football Championship Licensing Hours Order is in force with immediate effect, allowing already on-licensed premises in England & Wales to open until 1am the following morning of the semi-final and final (should England get there) for the sale of alcohol and late night refreshments (hot food and hot drinks) on the premises after the games. Late-night refreshment will only be extended in premises also licensed for on-sales of alcohol.

It is important to note that this extension only applies to England games and no other team, so does not apply to the Spain France semi-final, or the final if England do not get there. Additionally, this legislation only applies to premises already authorised for alcohol sales until at least 23:00, meaning that if your licence only permits the sale of alcohol until earlier on those days you will not benefit. This is particularly relevant for the final, which takes places on a Sunday, a day when traditionally many pubs’ terminal hour for alcohol sales is earlier than 11pm.

Unfortunately, if this is the case, the deadline to issue a late temporary event notice (TEN) for an extension to your licensed hours has now passed.

For those premises which do benefit, this extension is an automatic extension and does not require any action from the operator.

If a premises is planning to take advantage of the extended hours, the premises must adhere to all the relevant premises licence conditions for the extended hours and remain wary of the possible noise implications on any nearby residents.

Please feel free to contact any of our solicitors for further advice here.