Pubs close for 24 hours following the death of Queen Elizabeth II

09-Sep-2022 - Last updated on 12-Sep-2022 at 09:24 GMT

Paying tribute: Pubcos show respect after the death of Queen Elizabeth II (Getty/ whiteaway)

Ceasing business for 24 hours, switching off music and postponing events are a few ways pubcos are paying tribute to the Queen who died yesterday afternoon (8 September).

The monarch, who reigned for 70 years on the throne, died at Balmoral Castle yesterday afternoon, aged 96. Her son, the Prince of Wales, will succeed the Queen as King Charles III, while his wife, Camilla, will take the tile of Queen Consort.

Today marks the start of a 10-day national period of morning following the Queen’s death. The plan, dubbed Operation London Bridge, has been in place since the 60s and will include a state funeral, minute of silence as well as the coronation of Prince Charles as king.

The grieving period holds no specific rules for pubs, leaving it up to operators whether they stay open or shut their doors as a sign of respect during the 10-day time frame.

Pubs across the Isle of Man are closing for 24 hours today (9 September), including Okell’s Inns venues, which will reopen doors again at standard times on Saturday 10 September).

The pubco’s managing director Steven Taylor said: "As a mark of respect, for the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, Lord of Mann, all of the pubs across our estate will be closing for 24 hours.

A nation in mourning

“At a time of national grief, families and communities should have the chance to spend time together; this includes our entire workforce and we wish to give them this opportunity to do so.

“Further announcements will be made for the day of the State Funeral across the pubs in the coming days. At this time, our condolences and thoughts are with the Royal Family and the Nation.”

Other pubcos have shown respect through other means. Wetherspoon spokesperson Eddie Gershon commented: “Following the announcement of the very sad news of the death of Her Majesty, The Queen, Wetherspoon pubs are displaying a message of condolence.

“We have asked our pub managers to ensure TVs are tuned into the news only. Also, as a mark of respect, music is being switched off in our Lloyds bars and any scheduled quizzes or other entertainment cancelled tonight.”

While Greene King pubs would remain open, however, events were to be suspended.

A spokesperson commented: “We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II and we are now reflecting on her years of service. The thoughts of everyone at Greene King go out to the Royal Family and we join the nation in mourning her loss.

"We are remaining open so people can meet here as pubs are an important place to gather together to reflect as a community, however, we are postponing our events as a mark of respect.”

Saying thank you

What’s more, trade bodies have paid tribute to the country’s longest serving monarch, who reached her Platinum Jubilee this year. The Night-Time Industries Association also shared its sorrow on the Queen’s death on social media.

The trade body tweeted: “Deeply saddened to hear the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. The Queen has been an amazing ambassador and servant for this country over the past 70 years. Thank you for your service.”

Furthermore, the Campaign for Real Ale also expressed its sadness at the news and offered its sympathy and thoughts to the Royal Family.

BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “Along with the nation and the world, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“Her reign and duty to the country has been extraordinary and on behalf of our members, we would like to pass on our condolences to the Royal Family.

“In the coming days and weeks, we will be working with our nation’s pubs and brewers to pay our respects in communities across the country.”

The Licensed Trade Charity also expressed sadness and remembered the Queen's reign. The organisation's historic relationship with the Royal family span back more than 180 years. Formerly known as the Society of Licensed Victuallers, the charity was granted a Royal Charter in 1836, with Price Philip patron since Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1953.

Chief executive James Brewster said: “Our whole Licensed Trade Charity community is saddened by the loss of Her Majesty the Queen. We are proud to have held royal patronage for over 180 years. Our thoughts are with Her Majesty’s family and friends.”