Royal wedding: consultation on later pub hours
The Government has launched a two-week public consultation on plans to let pubs open later on the royal wedding weekend.
As the Morning Advertiser reported on Monday, the Government plans to let pubs open until 1am on Saturday 30 April, following the wedding on the Friday, and 1am on Sunday 1 May.
Permission would be granted automatically without the need to apply for a temporary event notice or licence variation.
Home Office minister James Brokenshire said: "The Royal Wedding is a time of national celebration and we want everyone to be able to participate.
'We recognise that people may want to extend their festivities to mark this important occasion which is why we intend to allow pubs, bars, community and village halls and other licensed venues to be able to open later.'
The Home Office pointed out that 67% of on-trade premises close before midnight.
Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: "This is great news, and 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.
"Looking forward to 2012, let's hope we can do the same for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee."
The consultation will run until Wednesday 26 January 2011.
• Visit the consultation here.
