Pubs can open until 1am if England or Scotland make Euro 2024 semi-finals

Pubs will be able to open until 1am if England or Scotland make the semi-finals of the UEFA European Football Championships this summer.

Home secretary James Cleverley has confirmed the two-hour extension to licensing hours will be granted on match days, should one or both teams progress to the final four.

The semi-finals are currently scheduled to take place on Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 July and the final on Sunday 14 July.

Cleverly said: “Over the coming weeks we will all be getting ready to support our home nations in what will be a busy summer of sport and a proud moment for Britain.

“We have listened to the public through our consultation and will be extending pub licensing hours should England or Scotland reach the semi-finals or final of Euro 2024.

“This boost to the hospitality sector will allow friends, families and communities to come together for longer to watch their nation hopefully bring it home.”

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “With the Euros fast approaching, for many people there can be no better place to cheer on their team than with a refreshing beer at their local pub. 

“It’s great news that the government has anticipated the likely interest from pubs to keep their doors open a little longer for the semi-finals and finals during the European Championships.  By creating this easement and cutting red tape, doing business will be that much easier. 

“The beer and pub sector is set for a bumper summer of sport, so let’s hope that England and Scotland make it not just through to the semi-finals but meet in the final itself, with pub goers able to cheer the teams on with a beer later into the night thanks to these new measures.”

The home secretary can make an order relaxing licensing hours to mark occasions of “exceptional national significance” under Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003.