The government has announced that it will relax licensing laws for the semi-finals and final of the Euros.
The laws in question, the Licensing Act 2003, will be relaxed for matches involving England and Scotland for the semi-finals and finals of UEFA Euro 2024 which will be good news to thousands of publicans, hospitality managers and licensors around the country. Not forgetting the millions of fans who will benefit too.
Andy Grimsey, senior associate solicitor at Poppleston Allen, said: This relaxation means that if the England and/or Scotland football team is successful in reaching the semi-final or final of Euro 2024, then on-licensed premises already licensed to sell alcohol until at least 11pm would benefit from an extension to those hours until 1am.
“This would be an automatic extension contingent only upon either England or Scotland (and no other team) reaching either the semis or the final.
“If the teams were knocked out at the semis, then the extension would not apply to the final. The extension also does not apply to off-licences or off-sales from on-licensed premises, nor to regulated entertainment (DJs and live music, for example). Late-night refreshment would only be extended in premises also licensed for on-sales of alcohol.
“In summary, a typical pub or bar already licensed until at least 11pm will be able to sell alcohol (and provide hot food if already licensed to do so) until 1am for the semis in which England or Scotland are participating, and the final if either win the semi.
“The semi-finals are 9 and 10 July and the final is on 14 July 2024. The relaxation only applies in England and Wales.”
The decision comes after the government consulted on later trading hours for pubs and bars for the UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament, taking place in Germany across June and July. Draft legislation has now been laid before Parliament in time for the law to have effect for the Euros.
James Anderson, partner at Poppleston Allen, added: “The Licensing Act allows extension of hours on occasions which are of ‘exceptional national or international significance’ and will be activated should England or Scotland make any of these games.”
“This legal relaxation was last used for the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, which saw many premises being allowed to extend their trading hours for two hours between 11pm and 1am without the need for a Temporary Events Notice to give them the licensing permissions required.”
