UK Residents Will Be Able To Keep The Party Going For The Platinum Jubilee
The people of Great Britain have long had what can only be described as a contentious relationship with their pubs and bars. While the establishments are an essential part of social life, laws that date back to 1915 require that most pubs close their doors at 11 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, per The Seattle Times. Closing time for Sundays is set at 10:30 p.m., ostensibly to ensure that factory workers of the early 20th century didn't get drunk.
These archaic hours led former Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell to label the set-in-stone closing time as "a national curfew [that was] unfair in principle and wrong in practice." Some have even blamed the early closing times for binge drinking since people who were out for a night on the town tended to order several drinks before closing.
While the 11 p.m. closing time was meant to be abolished in 2005 with the relaxation of licensing laws that took effect across England and Wales, per CBC, it seemed that not much had changed — until now.
Pubs across England and Wales will be allowed to stay open later
From June 2 to June 4, The Independent says pubs in England and Wales will likely be allowed to stay open until 1 a.m. The proposed timings were set to coincide with a four-day bank weekend to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, which marks her 70 years on the throne. There's even a law that allows the government to do this. The Licensing Act of 2003 "permits extended hours at moments of local, national or international significance," says the government's minister for policing, Kit Malthouse.
The amended times are still being discussed, but Home Secretary Priti Patel believes the measure should be passed because, as she put it, "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."
It wouldn't be the first time Britons will be allowed to stay up late to party. Pub hours have been extended for other occasions, like the Queen's 90th Birthday (2016), Prince William and Catherine's wedding (2011), and the 2014 FIFA World Cup game.