Government ministers are considering allowing pubs to stay open longer over the Platinum Jubilee weekend to allow people more time to celebrate the historic milestone in The Queen’s reign.
They are considering letting all venues serve drinks until 1am over the four day Bank Holiday in June 2022 which will mark the 70th anniversary of Elizabeth II’s rule. The special weekend is set to run from June 2nd until June 5th.
The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, wants to extend licences for pubs, clubs and venues by an extra two hours ever night of the long weekend. Under Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003, ministers can propose allowing longer serving hours to mark major national events. Once proposed, a month long public consultation begins allowing anyone with concerns to raise them. All issues will be considered before final go ahead is given.
In the past, the extension has been granted for other major royal celebrations including The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011 and the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2018.
Priti Patel said that allowing pubs to stay open for an extra two hours every night over the Jubilee weekend would ”Tenable families, fiends and communities across England and Wales to raise a glass to toast Her Majesty the Queen and mark her incredible service to our country.”
The Queen marks the 70th anniversary of her reign on February 6th 2022 but is expected to spend the day quietly as it is also the anniversary of the death of her father, King George VI. The main celebrations for her Platinum Jubilee will take place between June 2nd and June 5th 2022 and will include Trooping the Colour, a Platinum Pageant and a Service of Thanksgiving.
