- For the sake of absolute clarity, the below article has been reworded to make it absolutely clear that any potential extension of hours only applies to England games should they reach the semi final and / or final of Euro 2024, AND NOT THE QUARTER FINAL TAKING PLACE THIS SATURDAY.
As you might know, the Government has introduced legislation so that on-licensed premises in England & Wales can open until 1am the following morning for the sale of alcohol and late night refreshment (hot food & hot drinks) on the premises after the semi-final and final, should England make it.
It’s important to note, however, that this legislation only applies to premises already authorised for alcohol sales until at least 11pm, so if for example your licence only permits the sale of alcohol until 10.30pm you will not benefit from the legislation. This is particularly relevant for the final, which takes place on a Sunday, a day when traditionally many pubs’ terminal hour for alcohol sales is earlier than 11pm.
Indeed, the standard hours for Sunday in some London boroughs are 10.30pm: many pubs outside London also have earlier than 11pm.
If this is the case, you will need to issue a late temporary event notice (TEN) for an extension to your licensed hours until your desired finish time, bearing in mind extra-time and penalties. The deadline for when your application needs to be received by your local authority is Friday 5 July, which is five working days before the final. Remember, the police and environmental health have an absolute veto on late TENs.
The crucial thing is to check your licence and issue a TEN where required.
- Andy Grimsey is a senior associate solicitor at Poppleston Allen
