Pub goers will be able to raise a toast to veterans for an extra two hours to celebrate next month’s historic 80th anniversary of VE day
With parties planned across the country on Thursday 8th May, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ordered pubs and bars across the country to be able to keep serving until 1am to celebrate.
This will mean venues with a usual closing time of 11pm will be able to keep their doors open for a further two hours on the day, allowing people to continue their celebrations of the milestone.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
Pub licensing hours can be relaxed to mark occasions of ‘exceptional national significance’, and the government is keen that everyone is able to raise a glass and celebrate those who served during the Second World War.
Similar extensions to pub hours have previously been used for major Royal celebrations and significant sporting events, such as the Euro 2024 final.
As well as bringing people together for longer, the extension is due to be a welcomed boost to the hospitality industry.
The VE Day 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 London.
On Thursday 8th May, a day of celebrations across the country will culminate in a party at London’s Horse Guards Parade, televised live on BBC One, with more than 10,000 members of the public attending the event to see performances by stars from the stage and screen.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association said:
Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality said:
Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries Association said: