Proposals to relax licensing hours to celebrate royal wedding

The Home Office have launched a consultation on proposals to relax licensing hours to celebrate the wedding of Prince Henry (familiarly known as Prince Harry) and Megan Markle.  The consultation was launched on 7^th January 2018 and will run for four weeks, ending on 4^th February 2018.  A copy of the consultation can be found here.

The consultation proposes that licensing hours be extended to 01:00 on Saturday 19^th May (i.e. the evening of Friday 18^th May) and Sunday 20^th May (i.e. the evening of Saturday 19^th May).

The proposed extension would relate to sale or supply of alcohol and late night refreshment, but would not extend to regulated entertainment.  Neither would it extend to premises which are not licensed for on-sales, so it would not benefit supermarkets, off-licences, takeaways or unlicensed premises.

It is worth noting that the extensions would coincide with the F A Cup Final (which it is intended will be played on Saturday 19^th May).

Brigid Simmons, Chief Executive of the BBPA, has been quoted as saying that the extension could result in as much as a £10 million boost to the industry.

We will of course keep you informed of any further developments, but if you require any additional information or advice in the meantime, please contact a member of the licensing team.