Extended opening for Queen's Jubilee approved by House of Lords
The House of Lords has approved extended opening hours for the Golden Jubilee in June.
The deregulation order, which is the same as that passed for New Year's Eve last year and at the millennium, proposes extending licensing hours from 11pm on June 3 to 1am on June 4.
Like at New Year, a "restriction order" - an exception to the extended hours - can be made for specific pubs if there is a threat of disturbance or disorderly conduct.
However, unlike New Year, the new order includes a provision for licensees who have had a restriction order made against their pub, to appeal against the decision.
The House of Commons deregulation committee is also considering the order and is expected to give its approval in the next two weeks. The proposal will then go to a vote but it is unlikely to be refused.
As part of its discussions on the order, the House of Lords considered responses to New Year hours given by police, licensees and local authorities to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
It noted that "no adverse comment" had been received on the subject.
Meanwhile support for the celebrations is picking up.
The Golden Jubilee year officially started today with the 50th anniversary of the death of the Queen's father George VI.
Despite claims that celebrations could be a flop, culture secretary Tessa Jowell has said plans for parties around the country are well ahead of where they were this time in Silver Jubilee year.
She has also recommended that local authorities waive unreasonable red tape and fees for licences and insurance so communities can plan celebrations.
Many licensees and pub companies have already started planning how they will encourage customers to make the most of the extended hours with suggestions so far ranging from barbecues in the pub garden to providing bars for events in marquees.
Related stories:
Prime Minister joins call for people to celebrate Golden Jubilee (1 February 2002)
Trade urged to rally for Jubilee celebrations (24 January 2002)
"Celebrations Toolkit" issued for next year`s Jubilee events (12 December 2001)
Trade fears mount over licensing hours on Jubilee weekend (4 October 2001)
