Pubs could be allowed to stay open later for future royal weddings, Coronations and jubilees under new legislation that cleared the House of Lords this week.The Licensing Hours Extensions Bill would make it quicker for the Government to relax pub and bar closing times for major national celebrations — including landmark moments for the Royal Family — without requiring a full parliamentary debate. Past celebrations have already seen similar measures. Parliament previously approved orders allowing pubs in England and Wales to stay open until 1am over the weekend of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in May 2018 and for the wedding of Princess Kate and Prince William in April 2011.
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Similarly, licensed premises were permitted to extend hours to 1am over three nights during King Charles III’s Coronation weekend in May 2023.In June 2022, pubs were also allowed to stay open later — from 11pm to 1am — to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, giving communities longer to celebrate over the extended bank holiday. Under the current system, the Home Office can relax licensing laws for occasions of “exceptional national significance”, but doing so requires an affirmative statutory instrument that must be actively approved by both Houses of Parliament. The new Bill would allow such orders to take effect unless MPs or peers object within 40 sitting days, speeding up the process when celebrations arise unexpectedly.The Bill was approved by the House of Lords and will now move forward before heading to the King for royal assent.Speaking in favour of the legislation, Labour’s former deputy leader Lord Watson of Wyre Forest said it would allow “swift and sensible” measures to be brought in for national occasions.Lord Watson emphasised that licensing extensions would remain “exceptional, discretionary and tightly defined”.He added: “This Bill can bring a little joy in difficult times to landlords and the wider hospitality sector, which is navigating tough economic conditions.LATEST ROYAL DEVELOPMENTSHarry’s charity responds as Donald Trump Nato comments spark backlashHarry breaks silence on Donald Trump’s Afghanistan commentsAndrew hit with new setback ahead of state pension“Our pubs and hospitality venues are not simply businesses, they’re places of belonging, where people gather to celebrate, to commiserate, and to feel part of something shared.”Lord Watson also said the measure would help “cut unnecessary delay, reduce administrative burden, support hospitality businesses and help communities celebrate together when the occasion calls for it.”The Bill was passed unanimously by peers.Labour frontbencher Lord Lemos confirmed it will go to the King for royal assent.Conservative frontbencher the Earl of Effingham said the change would be “beneficial to both businesses and communities, allowing everyone to celebrate together and contributing in some part to economic growth.”Lord Lemos added: “I don’t want to trivialise this Bill.“What we celebrate, when we celebrate, how we celebrate, where we celebrate and with whom we celebrate are all markers of our shared national identity.“These are the occasions where, as a nation, we show the better angels of our nature.”
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