A perfect alignment of the wedding on Saturday 19 May, extra tourists to Britain, the FA Cup Final, extended opening hours and, hopefully, decent weather should see the biggest day of trading for licensed premises in 2018 – at least the biggest until the start of the World Cup in June.
Licensing hours have been extended on the evenings of Friday 18 May and Saturday 19 May until 1am the following morning. Licensees do not have to apply to a court for the extension.
A timely reminder that the big day is fast approaching has come from pubs minister Jake Berry who is encouraging people to celebrate the big day with their community first at a street party and later at their local.
The minister said: “Pubs are a cornerstone of many communities and I’m encouraging people to raise a glass to the happy couple in their local on 19 May.”
Welcome boost
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has welcomed the extended licensing hours and underlined the importance of pubs at times of national celebration and coming together.
National chairman Colin Valentine said: “CAMRA is not just raising a glass to the royal couple, but also to the Government for their decision to extend pub opening hours during the royal wedding celebration.
“Pubs play a hugely important role in landmark days in people's lives, including weddings.
"Extending opening hours will provide a welcome boost to the industry and help ensure the public can celebrate, hopefully by toasting to the happy couple with a pint of traditional real ale.”
Tourism and travel organisations are reporting a surge in bookings for mid and late May with a third more tourists expected in Britain than usual.