Royal wedding: later pub hours 'closer'
Pubs are a big step closer to getting the automatic right to open later during the royal wedding.
An order has been laid in Parliament that, if passed, would give pubs the automatic right to open until 1am on Saturday 30 April — following the wedding on the Friday — and 1am on Sunday 1 May.
The order must be approved by the House of Commons and the House of Lords, but it's not expected to be rejected.
The rights would extend to hosting live music and other "regulated entertainment", as well as hot food and drink for consumption on-site after 11pm.
Supermarkets wouldn't benefit because the order relates to the on-trade only. The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers had expressed concern that the off-trade could be included too.
The order would also extend to restaurants and village halls.
The Government said the move will mean pubs avoid the burden and expense of applying for a temporary events notice, which costs £21.
Home Office minister James Brokenshire said: "The royal wedding is a time of national celebration which is why we want to allow as many people to take part in the festivities as possible.
"We know that the majority of on-trade licensed premises tend to close before midnight and we recognise that many will want to extend their open hours to serve alcohol, food and put on entertainment if they choose to mark this special occasion."
The move follows a two-week public consultation.
• What are your plans for the royal wedding? Email wbua.uneevatgba@jvyyvnz-errq.pb.hx.
