Pubs across Britain England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 1am this Sunday as Britons cheer on the Lionesses at their second Euros final in a row. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has permitted a temporary change to pub licensing hours that will allow punters hours of extra fun, and celebration should the women’s team win for a second time.
Prior to the tournament, the government announced that licensing hours would be extended should either England or Wales qualify for the semi finals or final. Now Yvette Copper has said Britons will be abler to “celebrate late into the evening” as football fans celebrate Britain’s “national stars”. Announcing the go-ahead, Ms Cooper said: “The Lionesses have shown throughout this summer why they are true national stars. They have shown unbelievable grit and determination and are an inspiration to us all.
“Watching football in the local pub is a great British tradition and by extending licensing hours, we will hopefully be able to celebrate late into the evening.
“I want to wish the best of luck to Sarina Wiegman and the England squad, who we hope will be able to bring it home once again and continue on as champions of Europe.”
The Home Secretary has the power to relax pub licensing laws for occasions of “exceptional national significance”, including the 80th anniversary of VE Day in April.
Hospitality groups have welcomed the move, with the British Beer and Pub Association projecting that the extended pub hours could lead to an extra 1 million pints being sold.
Emma McClarkin, the Chief Executive, said: “The pub is home of sport and these extended hours will mean more can gather together to cheer on the Lionesses and could mean an extra 1 million pints sold.
“Our sector plays a huge part in boosting community spirit and championing inclusivity in sport, and we expect the pubs will be packed by those cheering on our fantastic squads.”
Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, added: “It is fantastic that the Lionesses are in the final of the UEFA Women’s EURO’s on Sunday, and we wholeheartedly welcome the Home Office’s decision to extend licensing hours to accommodate the match.
“It will give fans the chance to watch the game together and hospitality businesses will receive a welcome boost, with evidence from extending hours for previous major sporting events demonstrating a notable 46% boost in sales during finals.”
Britain’s reigning European champions secured their spot in back-to-back finals on Tuesday, securing a last-minute victory over Italy in extra time.
They will go up against Spain, who are world champions but are competing in their first Euros final.