Next month, pub goers will have the chance to raise a glass to our veterans for an extra two hours, as the nation marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day. On Thursday 8th May, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that pubs and bars across the UK can stay oen until 1am, allowing an extended celebration of this historic milestone.
With parties and commemorations taking place nationwide, many pubs that typically close at 11pm will now be able to remain open for an additional two hours. This change gives the public more time to honour the wartime generation and celebrate the peace and freedom they secured for all. Starmer commented, “As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the whole country should come together to remember the incredible sacrifices made by the wartime generation and to celebrate the peace and freedom they secured for us all.”
The government has made a provision for relaxed pub licensing hours for significant national occasions, and this extension will allow people to continue their celebrations into the early hours. Such changes have been made before for major events like royal milestones and key sporting moments, such as the Euro 2024 final.
In addition to uniting communities, the extended pub hours will provide a boost to the hospitality industry, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. The VE Day festivities will kick off on Bank Holiday Monday, featuring a military procession, an RAF flypast over London, and a Union flag-adorned Cenotaph. The public celebrations will culminate in a grand party at London’s Horse Guards Parade, attended by thousands and broadcast live on BBC One.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, stated that the pub is the ideal place for communities to gather and commemorate such a significant moment in history. “This is a momentous occasion,” she said, adding that “extending licensing hours will allow people to gather for longer, nurturing community spirit.”
Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
