Pubs and bars cleared to extend opening hours on VE Day

Pubs and bars in England and Wales have been granted permission to extend their opening hours until 1am on May 8, to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson said the two-hour extension beyond the usual 11pm closing time represents the Government’s commitment to remembering Britain’s “finest hour”.

The move follows Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's suggestion that extended opening hours would allow people to “join in celebrations and raise a glass to all of the men and women who served their country”.

This isn't the first time hours have been relaxed. Similar extensions have been granted for occasions of “exceptional national significance”, including the Euro 2024 final and major royal celebrations.

Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday, Dame Diana said the government considers the 80th anniversary of VE Day to be “an occasion of national significance and, as such, worthy of the proposed extension before the House today”.

“Turning to the practical details, this order makes provision to relax licensing arrangements in England and Wales and allow licensed premises to extend their opening hours on Thursday, May 8 for a further two hours from 11pm until 1am the following morning.

“A truncated consultation was conducted with key stakeholders who were supportive of the extension, and we take the view that this order will not bring about any significant crime and disorder due to the nature of the events.

“However, we recognise that there may be implications for police resourcing, and we will continue to work with stakeholders to mitigate any concerns around the impact.

“As well as enabling celebrations, the extension has the added potential benefit of providing a welcome boost to the hospitality sector, and I hope that members on all sides of the House will agree that this order represents an appropriate use of the powers conferred on the Home Secretary by the Licensing Act 2003.”

“This extension reflects our commitment to remembering what was a truly momentous event, our finest hour, to celebrate those who defended our country, liberated Europe and secured peace,” she added.

VE Day commemorations will start on the May bank holiday on Monday, May 5.

The Cenotaph will be dressed in Union flags, and there will be a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace and an RAF flypast over London.

On May 8, there will be a party at Horse Guards Parade shown live on BBC One.