Plans to allow pubs to stay open later for King's coronation

Pubs, clubs, and bars could be allowed to stay open an extra two hours to mark the King’s coronation next year.

The government is to launch a public consultation on extending licensing hours from 11pm to 1am from Friday 5 May until Sunday 7 May in England and Wales.

Charles III will be crowned on 6 May in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London.

An additional bank holiday has been confirmed for 8 May with public events and community celebrations planned across the country.

“Our country, and in particular our hospitality industry, has faced many challenges in recent years and the King’s coronation is an opportunity to give a boost to our local businesses, and celebrate with our local communities,” said home secretary Suella Braverman.

“Over the bank holiday weekend we can raise a glass to our new Monarch, and with our friends and families wish him a long and successful reign.”

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: "The opportunity to extend opening hours would allow pubs to make the absolute most of this joyous occasion and be at the centre of parties up and down the country, with people given even more chances to raise a toast to his Majesty across the three days.”

The home secretary can make an order relaxing licensing hours to mark occasions of “exceptional national significance”.

Past national occasions where the government has extended licensing hours have included the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June, the royal wedding in 2018, and the FIFA World Cup in 2014.