Extended hours for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee ‘fantastic news’
The new licensing hours will span from Thursday 2 June to Saturday 4 June, with opening hours extended two hours from 11pm to 1am.
Home secretary Priti Patel approved the order yesterday to relax pub closing hours under Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003, which permits extended hours for times of “exceptional national significance”. The extended hours were first announced by home office minister Kit Malthouse in March.
British Beer & Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin said the move was “fantastic news” for the pub industry. After a difficult two years, she believed the announcement of extended opening hours would be a “further boost” to an already joyous occasion, with pubs everywhere already planning to celebrate the Jubilee weekend.
Truly historic occasion
The move will allow pubs and the public a chance to further celebrate the 70th year of the Queen’s reign across the four-day bank holiday weekend, with Patel stating it was right the country should be able to mark the “truly historic occasion” in a special way.
McClarkin said: “It is sure to be a time for community and celebration and the great British pub is at the heart of both, so I would encourage everyone to head down to their local and raise a toast to Her Majesty at some point across the Jubilee weekend.”
However, supermarkets and off-licenses will not be able to sell alcohol for extended hours.
“For seventy years Her Majesty The Queen has served the UK and the Commonwealth with the utmost dignity, steadfastness and resolve,“ Patel said.
She continued: “The Platinum Jubilee is a truly historic national occasion, which will see families, friends and communities across the country come together to celebrate this unprecedented landmark in a remarkable reign.
Prepping for celebrations
“Over the extended Bank Holiday weekend, we will be able to raise a glass to toast Her Majesty’s incredible service to our country, while also providing a boost to the hospitality industry after a challenging couple of years.”
Operators around the country are gearing up to the big weekend, with Star Pubs & Bars launching a support package for its licensees to help them prepare for celebrations ahead of time.
The kits include Union flag bunting, balloons, posters and outdoors signage, as well as temporary licensing guidance, top picks of British produce and ideas for activities.
Brewers have also united to celebrate the Jubilee weekend, with limited edition ales, Thank You beers, crafted by leading brands and brewers and backed by trade bodies UKHospitality, the British Institute of Innkeeping and BBPA.
Licensed premises are encouraged to serve the 3.5% ABV pale ales. Profits from sales will be donated to community focused charities The /Together Coalition, Eden Project Communities and Reset Communities and Refugees.
