Queen’s Platinum Jubilee: Pubs could stay open into the early hours to celebrate the occasion
Pubs, bars and clubs could remain open into the early hours to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee over a bank holiday weekend next year.
Venues in England and Wales would be able to serve customers for an extra two hours to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the monarch’s reign under the government’s draft order.
Home Secretary Priti Patel wants to extend licensing hours from 11pm to 1am from Thursday 2 June to Saturday 4 June over the extended bank holiday weekend.
Ministers have promised a show mixing “ceremonial splendour” with “technological displays” in order to mark the “unprecedented milestone in national life”.
A live concert featuring some of the world’s biggest stars is planned, along with a service of thanksgiving and a day at the races.
The Platinum Jubilee Pageant will also be staged in London on Sunday 5 June and will feature more than 5,000 people from across the UK and Commonwealth.
It will take place near Buckingham Palace and the surrounding streets will combine street arts, theatre, music and circus.
Ms Patel’s move to extend licensing hours will be subject to a month-long public consultation.
As Home Secretary, she can use Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003 to lay an order before parliament to give permission for venues to stay open longer to mark occasions of exceptional significance.
The government said any issues raised by specific stakeholders including the police, licensing authorities and alcohol awareness groups will be taken into consideration.
The government previously pushed back closing time for the 2011 and 2018 royal weddings, as well as the Queen’s 90th birthday in 2016 and the FIFA World Cup in 2014.
On 6 February the 95-year-old monarch is set to become the first British sovereign to have been on the throne for seven decades.
Ms Patel said: “Her Majesty the Queen is an example to us all – she has served the UK and the Commonwealth with the utmost dignity, steadfastness and resolve throughout her remarkable reign.
“The Platinum Jubilee is a truly historic occasion, and it is right that the country should mark this celebration in a special way.
“This extension will enable families, friends and communities across England and Wales to raise a glass to toast Her Majesty the Queen and mark her incredible service to our country.”
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “Next year we will celebrate an unprecedented milestone in our national life.
“No other British monarch has served for 70 years and it is fitting that, as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June, we toast Her Majesty for her dedication and service.”
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