ACPO backs later pubs during royal wedding
A group representing top policemen supports the plan to let pubs open later during the royal wedding weekend.
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.
A two-week consultation into the plan will run until Wednesday 26 January.
Association of Chief Police Officers lead on alcohol and licensing, chief constable Jon Stoddart, said: "This is an historic day and one for celebrating.
"The police service supports the extension to the licensing hours for this occasion and will police any increased demand on the service accordingly."
The move is significant because it had been feared that top police could oppose later opening on the grounds that it would stretch their resources.
Meanwhile, a leading solicitor has warned that pubs may be unable to serve hot food and drink during their extended opening hours.
John Gaunt highlighted the omission of late night refreshment (LNR) from the consultation.
"Many licensed premises provide refreshment and if already licensed beyond 11pm but not as late as 1am as now proposed, will have the provision of LNR as a licensable activity.
"To omit LNR from this relaxation will mean that premises will not be able to supply hot food (and more particularly hot drink) for the extended hours or again will be left with giving a TEN, unless already licensed for the proposed hours.
"This seems to be a nonsense to us."
• Visit the consultation here.
