MPs Debate Queen’s 90th Birthday Pub Hours

In previous years the Government has provided a nationwide relaxation of licensing hours for events of national significance, such as the Royal Wedding and Diamond Jubilee. In Prime Minister’s Question Time today, David Cameron indicated that a similar relaxation is being considered for the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations for premises in England and Wales.

The Home Office has stated that any approved Order would only apply to premises already licensed to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises until at least 23:00, and that any automatic extensions would be until 01:00 on Saturday 11 June and 01:00 on Sunday 12 June. Regulated entertainment and late night refreshment would only be automatically extended where the premises is also licensed to sell alcohol.

Three questions are being posed prior to a decision being made. These are:

• Do you agree that the order should apply to the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises?
• Do you agree that the order should apply to England and Wales?
• Do you agree that the order should extend licensing hours until 01:00?

It is not entirely clear at this time, but it would appear that responses must be made by 17:00 on Wednesday 30 March 2016, and that an email response will be sufficient – to be sent to andrew.johnson9@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

A formal consultation document will hopefully follow from the Home Office shortly to clarify matter.