Pubs to open longer to mark Victory over Japan day

By Emily Hawkins

- Last updated on GMT

Opening hours: pubs will be allowed to stay open later on the next Victory over Japan Day under a new proposal
Opening hours: pubs will be allowed to stay open later on the next Victory over Japan Day under a new proposal

Related tags Licensing

The Government will consult on a proposal to relax licensing hours in England and Wales on the 75th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day.

Victory over Japan Day is the celebration of 15 August 1945, when Allied forces declared victory over Japan at the end of World War II. 

Under a proposed order, licensed opening hours could be extended from 11pm on Saturday 15 August 2020 until 1am the following morning on Sunday 16 August 2020.

It follows news that pubs will be able to serve alcohol for longer on Friday 8 May and into Saturday 9 May to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day​.

British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) chief executive Emma McClarkin has led the sector in welcoming this latest announcement on VJ day this summer.

She said: “Like Victory in Europe Day on 8 May 2020, Victory in Japan Day will be a wonderful opportunity for the nation to come together at the heart of the local community, the great British pub. 

“Relaxed licensing hours for pubs would be welcomed by people looking to celebrate the occasion and remember those who gave so much during the war. We look forward to responding to the consultation in due course.”

The Government said it plans to announce a series of events to commemorate veterans who fought in this region.

Tribute to veterans 

It plans to pay tribute to the tens of thousands of service personnel from the UK and the Commonwealth, including individuals held as prisoners of war by the Japanese.

Under the Licensing Act 2003, the Government can relax opening hours for licensed premises in England and Wales to mark an occasion of “exceptional international, national or local significance”.

In a written statement to the Home Office, Kit Malthouse – the Minister of State for Crime, Policing and the Fire Service – said the consultation would involve representatives of licensing authorities, the police, residents’ groups, veterans’ groups, the licensed trade and the Welsh Government.

He said the consultation – which opened today, Monday 24 February 2020 – would focus on the dates, times, geographical extent and licensable activities that the order should apply to.

Related topics Licensing law

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