The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has today welcomed plans to extend pub opening hours for the VE Day 75 celebrations.
Under the proposals, pubs, clubs and bars which are licensed to trade until 11pm could be allowed to open until 1am on both Friday 8 May and Saturday 9 May 2020, when VE Day 75 takes place. Friday 8 May will also be a public holiday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
The decision comes after the BBPA wrote to the Home Office, requesting extended hours for VE Day 75 so the nation could come together in the pub to make the most of the celebrations.
The BBPA has also worked with the organisers of VE DAY 75 to create a toolkit for pubs, advising them on how they can get their pub involved in the celebrations.
Extended pub hours for previous national occasions include the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the most recent football World Cup, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
David Wilson, Director of Public Affairs, commented, “In 1945, VE Day would have been celebrated in pubs up and down the country. VE Day 75 will be a wonderful opportunity for the nation to commemorate and celebrate the occasion in the great British pub.
“It is wonderful news that licensing hours for pubs are being extended as part of this special weekend. It will be greatly welcomed by people looking to celebrate the occasion and remember those who gave so much during the war.”