Following a consultation at the end of last year, the Government has today (Wednesday 8 May) said pubs in England and Wales will be permitted to stay open until 1am if England or Scotland make it to the semi-finals or finals of the tournament later this summer.
Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) CEO Michael Kill said: “The Home Office's decision to extend hours for the European Championship finals and semis is a game-changer for businesses in hospitality and nightlife.
“This timely boost comes as a lifeline for sectors facing immense economic pressure. It’s heartening to see Government proactively supporting trading opportunities, especially after genuine consultation where our voices were heard.
Vibrant spirit
“This move not only bolsters financial prospects but also revitalises the vibrant spirit of our night-time economy. We applaud this collaborative effort and urge for continued support to keep our industries thriving.”
Kicking off on Friday 14 June in Munich, the football competition will run until Sunday 14 July, with host nation Germany set to play Scotland on the first day of the games while England’s first match will take place two days later, on 16 June, against Serbia.
The finals are then set to take place on Tuesday 9 July and Wednesday 10 July while the final is scheduled for Sunday 14 July.
In addition, the tournament will mark the first major men’s summer football event without restrictions since 2018.
Home Secretary James Cleverly said the move would "allow friends, families and communities to come together for longer to watch their nation hopefully bring it home".
Strong support
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Chairman Nik Antona said: “CAMRA was pleased to support this extension when it was first proposed, and it’s great to see Government listen to consumers and the on-trade, and back our local pubs and clubs in this way.
“Cheering on your team, in the atmosphere of the pub, surrounded by friends and local community, is an experience you can't get anywhere else.
"Recognising the unique nature of the pub in this way is a much-needed boost for licensees, who have faced an uphill struggle to remain profitable in recent years in the face of spiralling costs."
Antona added Parliament is currently looking at making this kind of licensing extension "easier in the future", which is something CAMRA would "strongly support".
He continued: "Creating a more responsive mechanism for licensing hours alterations would let pub-goers celebrate the full range and diversity of UK sporting achievement – not just the men’s Euros 2024.”
See The Morning Advertiser’s pub guide for the Euros 2024 here.
