Pubs to stay open late as England bid to bring football home

On the night of Sunday 14 July, pubs and bars across England and Wales can keep their doors open until 1am as England bid to become champions of Europe, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has confirmed.

Following the Three Lions’ emphatic semi-final win on Wednesday night, the team is set to go head to head with Spain in the final of the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship.

The heavyweight clash will kick off at 8pm, with fans up and down the country coming together to show their support.

Pub licensing hours can be relaxed to mark occasions of “exceptional national significance”, meaning pubs and bars will be able to stay open for an extra 2 hours tomorrow evening.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

We’re so proud of Gareth Southgate and the England team. It’s right that we can all come together tomorrow to enjoy the match and—do we dare to dream?!—hopefully celebrate an England victory.

I want to pay special thanks to the police officers and first responders who will be working across communities to keep us safe.

I look forward to getting behind all our brilliant players, who bring so much pride to our country, and I want to wish the team the best of luck. Let’s bring it home.

As well as bringing fans together for longer, tomorrow night’s extension is due to be a welcomed boost to the hospitality industry.

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: 

As with the semi-finals, pubs will be licensed to stay open until 1am on Sunday night and thanks to the Home Office for making the changes to the licensing rules for allowing this to happen. 

The changes give fans even more time to enjoy the game, support our pubs and hopefully celebrate football finally coming home. 

Fans have shown us resoundingly this tournament that there is no better place to watch our teams and soak up the atmosphere than the great British pub. This Sunday the BBPA urges everyone to get down their local, support our pubs and get behind the boys. Come on England!

UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said:

The Euros have provided a huge boost for hospitality businesses this summer, as fans pack pubs, bars and fan zones to come together and cheer on the home nations.

The extended licensing hours for the final will allow venues and fans to take advantage of the occasion, and hopefully celebrate an historic England win.