Jubilee late licensing hours approved by House of Lords
Plans to let restaurants, pubs and bars trade later over the Jubilee celebrations has moved a step closer after the proposal was approved in the House of Lords.
The move would see automatic licence extensions granted until 1am on Saturday 2nd June and Sunday 3rd June.
Home Office minister Lord Henley said: “A small relaxation of licensing hours will benefit premises that would otherwise have used a temporary event notice to open late and will allow people to celebrate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee in pubs, clubs and other licensed venues, such as community halls and restaurants.
“It was estimated that this small extension of licensing hours will save businesses in England and Wales between £280,000 and £480,000.”
Baroness Hamwee has criticised the Government for not extending the licence to include the Sunday and Monday. But Henley believes Friday and Saturday was when most people would want to socialise. He also highlighted the “burden” on police of extending licensing hours further.
The proposal still needs approval from the House of Commons but this is expected to be granted.
