The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has responded to the Government’s consultation on the relaxation of licensing hours for the Royal Wedding. The BBPA made the original request for extended hours for pubs in England and Wales for the weekend of the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The extension of hours will be a great way to celebrate this occasion, and will bring a huge boost to the pub trade.
In the response, the BBPA has welcomed the Government’s consultation on the extension of opening hours on Friday 18th May and Saturday the 19th May until 1am the following morning. The BBPA believes that the extension of licensing hours could bring an estimated boost of £10 million to the trade, and will enable pubs to take advantage of the expected increase in tourism. The BBPA believes that licensed premises, with experience of dealing with large events, will have enough time to prepare for the relaxation of these hours due to the consultation, it will also save them from applying for a Temporary Event Notice.
Extended hours for previous royal occasions including the most recent Royal Wedding and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee brought in vital revenues for the sector, and will allow the nation to celebrate and make the most of this historic occasion.
With the Government’s consultation on relaxation of licensing hours for the Royal Wedding ending on the evening of the 4th of February, the BBPA is urging licensees to get involved in the on-line consultation.
BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds commented, “Royal weddings are a time of great national celebration, and provide a fantastic opportunity for the nation to get together in the pub. Relaxed licensing hours for pubs will be welcomed by pubgoers and provide a real boost to the pub trade.”