Pubs must check premises licence ahead of Euro 2024, law firm warns

Pubs have been urged to check their premises licenses ahead of the Euro 2024 football tournament to avoid missing out on the sales boost in the case of a Sunday final.

Law firm Poppleston Allen warned operators that the government’s relaxation of licensing laws, which allows premises to sell alcohol until 1am if England or Scotland make the semi-finals of the UEFA European Football Championships, would only apply to venues with a licence to sell alcohol until 11pm on those particular days.

This contrasts with the standard hours for Sunday in some London boroughs, which can end as early as 10.30pm.

The warning comes after home secretary James Cleverley confirmed the two-hour extension to licensing hours will be granted on match days in an announcement in May.

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

Operators with a short alcohol licence on Sunday should apply for a Temporary Events Notice for an extension, which must be received by the licensing authority at least 10 working days before the event.

Lisa Sharkey, managing partner at Poppleston Allen, said: “The Euro 2024 tournament is a fantastic opportunity for fans of England and Scotland to get behind their teams, and of course for the trade to enjoy a boost in sales. So, we certainly would not want a misunderstanding of licensing laws to put a major dampener on the occasion.

“If a licensed premises is not permitted to sell alcohol until 11pm on the affected days, they still have time to extend their hours with a Temporary Events Notice. So, our advice to operators is to check their premises licences to ensure they are permitted to sell alcohol until 11pm for the final and semi-finals. And if they are not, get their Temporary Events Notices issued as soon as possible.”

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