The extension means venues with a usual closing time of 11pm will be able to remain open until 1am, in a bid to allow people to continue their celebrations of the milestone.
Similar extensions to pub hours have previously been used for major royal celebrations, such as the King’s coronation as well as significant sporting events including the Euro’s 2024 final.
VE commemorations will start on bank holiday Monday, with the Cenotaph dressed in Union flags, a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace and an RAF flypast over the capital.
Thursday 8 May will see a day of celebrations, culminating in a party at London’s Horse Guards Parade, which will be televised live on BBC One.
Perfect place
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “As we mark the 80th anniversary, the whole country should come together the remember the incredible sacrifices made by the wartime generation and to celebrate the peace and freedom they secured for us all.
“Keeping our pubs open for longer will give people the opportunity to join in celebrations and raise a glass to all of the men and women who served their country, both overseas and home.”
British Beer & Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin described it as a “momentous occasion”.
She said: “As the nation’s second home, the pub is the perfect place for communities to gather and raise a glass to all of those who made huge sacrifices for our freedom.
“Extending licensing hours will mean people can come together for longer, nurture community spirit and allow pubs to host even more commemorative events that honour our veterans and heroes and celebrate peace.”
Communities coming together
UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls also welcomed the announcement.
“The 80th anniversary of VE day will see communities across the country come together to mark the special occasion, with many gathering in their local pubs to do so,” she added.
“I’m pleased the Government is extending licensing hours for the celebrations, which will see thousands raising a glass in tribute to those who served in the war.”
The extension will provide a much-needed boost to businesses, according to Night-Time Industries Association chief executive Michael Kill.
He said: “As someone with a strong family background in the armed forces, I know how vital it is to honour the legacy of those who served.
“VE Day is not only a moment of remembrance but also an opportunity for communities to come together.
“At such a challenging time for the hospitality sector, allowing businesses to extend their trading hours during these celebrations offers a much-needed boost while paying tribute to our shared history.”
Poppleston Allen managing partner Graeme Cushion looked at previous occasions when hours have been extended.
He added: “It will be interesting to have sight of an order in due course but given economic challenges facing the pub industry at present, any extension of opening hours will surely be welcomed and particularly in celebration of such an important part of our history.
“If the order is similar to those made in the past extending opening hours for national special occasions such as the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022 and His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation in May 2023, then the hours alcohol can be sold in pubs and premises licensed for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises in England and Wales will be extended to 1am on 9 May 2025.
“It won’t extend hours for premises already licensed to 1am and will not extend hours entertainment can be provided nor will the extension apply to premises only licensed to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises.”
