Consultation launched on Royal Wedding late opening

A consultation is set to be held over government plans to allow pubs to open until 1am for two days to celebrate the Royal Wedding.

Crime Prevention Minister James Brokenshire confirmed the plans in a written statement today. If approved pubs in England and Wales will be allowed to open until 1am on Friday April 29 (the day of the wedding) and on Saturday April 30.

Licensees will not require permission from licensing authorities to stay open late.

Chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, Brigid Simmonds, welcomed the move. "It is really good to see the government recognising that this is a brilliant opportunity for us all to get together in the pub, to celebrate a great national event.

"With state-of-the art TV, great food and hospitality, pubs will be right at the heart of the royal wedding celebrations, and are the perfect place to enjoy the day," she said.

But the news received a mixed reaction from licensees.

John Haley licensee at the Old Boot Inn near Bucklebury, Berkshire, where Kate Middleton grew up, said: "There would be a big party with special celebrations to mark the event", and that extended opening hours would support what promised to be "a very good day."

But Martin Priest at the Old Star, based near Westminster Abbey where the couple will marry, said: "I don't think later opening hours will make this slightest bit of difference. People will have drifted off by 11pm. I'd rather open earlier in the morning."

In his statement Brokenshire said: "The government considers that, as the Royal Wedding is an occasion for national celebration, licensing hours should be relaxed in all licensed premises in England and Wales. However, we are mindful that late night drinking can lead to crime and disorder and public nuisance.

"On this basis, we are proposing a modest relaxation of licensing hours until 1am and intend to restrict the order to the sale of alcohol in pubs, clubs and anywhere else where alcohol is consumed on the premises and to regulated entertainment such as live and recorded music, dancing, plays and films."

The consultation, which will last for two weeks, opened today on the Home Office website​