AS the Lionesses prepare to play Italy in the semi-finals on Tuesday as part of Uefa Women’s European Championship, pubs will be allowed to stay open until 1am, the Home Office has confirmed.
In May the policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said that should England or Wales reach the semi-finals or even the finals of the Lionesses then pubs will be allowed to stay open until 1am.
Therefore licensing hours have been relaxed for an “exceptional national significance.”
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “The pub is the home of live sport.
Nothing compares when it comes to bringing atmosphere and camaraderie to watching the football live, and we expect supporters will be flocking to their local to cheer on our brilliant teams.
CEO of the Night Time Industries Association Michael Kill echoed McClarkin’s thoughts, said, he “warmly welcomes the Home Office’s decision.”
Kill added, “This is a positive and progressive move that recognises the growing popularity of women’s football and its cultural significance across the UK.
