The proposal is expected to boost the hospitality industry as well as pubs and bars. Credit: Amie Johnson on Unsplash.

The UK government has unveiled its plan to extend pub and bar licensing hours for the semi-finals and final of the men’s European Football Championships in 2024.

The extension of licensing hours would be under consideration if any of the UK nations – England, Wales or Scotland – reach the semi-final or final stages of the football tournament.

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The UK government has already initiated consultations and has proposed that pub licensing hours in England and Wales would be extended from 11pm to 1am.

The public consultation will run for 12 weeks, and the government will take into account the opinions and views of the public, licensing authorities and the hospitality industry.

UK Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “There are few things that bring a country together more than the prospect of winning an international tournament.

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“England and Scotland are on their way to Germany and Wales are still in with a shot of qualifying, so it is only right we put in place plans to support them and our hospitality industry.

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“That is why we are looking at helping pubs and bars stay open longer if we reach the semi-finals or final, and ensure families, friends and communities can come together to cheer their nation on.”

The UK Home Secretary has the authority to extend licensing hours for occasions of “exceptional international, national or local significance”.

Pub licensing hours were extended for the 2020 men’s European Football Championship final and for King Charles’ coronation Bank Holiday weekend in May 2023.

The latest proposal, which is subject to public consultation, is expected to provide a boost for the hospitality industry as well as for pubs and bars.