Pubs plan for Queen’s funeral
The day, which has been made a national bank holiday, will mark the end of the national mourning period for Queen Elizabeth II who died on 8 September as Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
In an official statement, the Government said that there was “no obligation to suspend businesses” in the 10-day period, and the decision was at the “discretion of individual businesses”.
JD Wetherspoon is opening its pubs in central London, rail stations and airports and all of its hotels during normal trading hours from 8am to midnight next Monday.
The majority of its pubs will open later than usual after the state funeral, at around 1pm, and will then remain open during normal trading hours.
The Stonegate Group, which runs more than 4,500 pubs across the UK, confirmed its managed pubs and venues would remain open, and where possible, will broadcast the funeral to “honour [the Queen’s] life and service.”.
Sombre occasion
The funeral service will take place at 11am and will be followed by a two-minute silence at midday.
A spokesperson said: “The passing of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a momentous and sombre occasion. We send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time.”
Likewise Green King, which owns around 2,700 pubs and restaurants in the UK, has also confirmed business will be operating as usual.
Fullers also announced it will remain open and issued the following statement: “Pubs are an integral part of the community, and we expect the majority of our pubs to be open to join with their communities and celebrate the life of an amazing and inspirational leader.”
What’s more, JW Lees said pubs were “hubs of their communities” and its 44 pubs would stay open.
Mark of respect
However, other pubcos are choosing to close to mark the occasion, including the Ainsworth Collection, whose sites including Cornwall venues the Mariners in Rock and Paul Ainsworth at no6 in Padstow.
A spokesperson said the company had been “deeply saddened” by the Queen’s passing. They continued: As a mark of respect for Her Majesty’s lifetime of service to our country, we are closing our businesses for the state funeral of Her Majesty the Queen on Monday 19 September.
“We would like to enable both our guests and our team to bear witness to such a historic day in our nation’s history.
“For many of us, Her Majesty epitomised qualities we admire so much and strive for every day: integrity, diligence, loyalty, honesty, wisdom and resilience. We will miss her presence in our lives greatly.”
