Pubs will be allowed to stay open until 1am across the Coronation weekend in May, home secretary Suella Braverman has announced.
The announcement comes after a consultation, in which 77% of the public agreed that a two-hour extension to normal hours would be a good idea.
Braverman said people would be able to enjoy “an extra pint or two” between 5th and 7th May, when the celebrations take place.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said the extra hours would be “a timely boost for the pub industry”.
Commentary: ‘A uniquely British institution’
By James Anderson, partner at licensing soliciotrs Poppleston Allen
It has been confirmed by the home secretary that she proposes to take advantage of section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003 to extend licensing hours until 1am on 5th, 6th, and 7th May this year, to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.
“This will apply in England and Wales only and follows on from similar extensions, most recently for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
“Perhaps unsurprisingly, this has been well received across the brewing and pub retail industry as a welcome boost to the hospitality sector generally.
“It is well known that this particular sector has received a bit of a bashing over the last few years because of a number of factors — the pandemic and then rising utility bills, increased cost of raw materials, and staff shortages.
“As it is also a bank holiday on Monday, 8th May. Hopefully members of the public will embrace the extended hours and raise a glass to celebrate this momentous event.
“It is for just this type of celebration that pubs, in particular, confirm their position as a uniquely British institution where all are welcome.”
