Cheers to Extended Pub Hours for UEFA Womens Euro 2025!

The UK government has announced exciting news for football fans across England and Wales. A new legislative order, introduced by the Home Office, is set to extend pub licensing hours during the UEFA Women's European Football Championship in July 2025, but only if the England and/or Wales teams make it to the semi-finals or final.

What’s Happening?

If either team reaches the semi-finals on July 22nd or 23rd, or the final on July 27th, local pubs and bars will be allowed to extend their serving hours by two hours, staying open until 1 am. This gives fans extra time to celebrate what could be historic victories for the home nations.

Where Does This Apply?

This change only affects England and Wales, leaving Scotland and Northern Ireland to their usual hours.

Why This Change?

The government considers the final week of the Women's Euro 2025 a "celebration period" under the Licensing Act 2003. This extension reflects the growing popularity and significance of women's football, aiming to mirror the same enthusiasm and privilege granted during past men's tournaments.

What About Your Local Off-Licence?

This order only applies to on-premise alcohol sales, so supermarkets and off-licences won't see extended hours. Unlicensed venues still need to apply for a temporary event notice if they want to join the festivities.

Why Not Just Apply for a Temporary Event Notice?

Applying for a temporary event notice (TEN) can be a hassle, both for businesses and local authorities. It costs £21 and requires processing time. By extending hours automatically, the government streamlines celebrations, ensuring no pub is left out due to bureaucratic delays.

Public Opinion and Policing

A public consultation showed overwhelming support for the extension, with 87% in favor for the semi-finals and 84% for the final. While the National Police Chiefs’ Council expressed concerns about potential public disorder, historical data suggests that local policing plans can effectively manage these risks.

Economic Impact

This move is set to save businesses and the public sector significant sums in application fees and processing costs. While there might be minor costs associated with educating staff about the changes, the overall economic boost from extended trading hours is expected to outweigh these.

No Need for a Review

Since this extension is a one-off event, there are no plans for a legislative review. The order will only be in effect on the specific match days.

In essence, if the home teams succeed, fans can look forward to extended celebrations, offering a boost to local economies and a chance for communities to come together in support of women's football. Cheers to that!