No obligation to close during mourning period
It also said some firms may want to consider closing or postponing events, dependent on their nature, particularly on the day of the state funeral but, this is at the discretion of the business.
Furthermore, it was announced over the weekend (Saturday 10 September), the date of the state funeral will be a national bank holiday across the UK.
While pubs did not have to close when the Queen’s death was announced, some chose to do so.
Mark of respect
Okell Inns, which is based in the Isle of Man, shut its venues for on Friday and reopened on Saturday.
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.
“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.”
Deeply saddened
The sector paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for 70 years and reached her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year.
The British Beer & Pub Association (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 The 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.”
