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Pubs in the United Kingdom could extend their business hours to 01:00 only if England or Scotland makes it to the Euro 2024 football semi-finals hosted by Germany this summer.

The announcement was made by British Home Secretary James Cleverly back in November 2023, when public consultations were launched.

According to Reuters, Wales was originally one of the constituent nations of the UK that was vying for the Euro tournament, but it was knocked out by Poland 5-4 on penalty kicks last March.

Pubs and other stakeholders suggested at the time that they extend their operations by two hours beyond the normal closing time of 23:00 if one or both nations qualify for the semis.

Cleverly confirmed this week that the proposal would push through, saying that the move would allow communities to "come together to watch their nation hopefully bring it home."

The policy would cover only England and Wales, while Northern Ireland has yet to announce whether they will issue a similar conditional extension.

Meanwhile, a Scottish government spokesperson said that extending pub hours nationwide was up to local licensing boards.

Pub Hour Extension a Boost to UK's Economy

Pub hours have previously been extended last year during the celebration of the coronation of King Charles III. The UK hoped that the move would provide a boost to the hospitality industry after rising energy prices and cost of living hardly hit it.

UK Hospitality Kate Nicholls was quoted by Sky News as saying that the extended hours were "essential" to ensure that venues could be used to their maximum advantage.

Meanwhile, British Beer and Pub Association CEO Emma McClarkin stated that the conditionary extension would ease the business of brewers and pubs. She also hoped England and Scotland would stay in the tournament beyond the semi-finals.

England lost to Italy in the COVID-delayed Euro 2020 finals. If the team would go all the way this year, it would be its first major championship since the 1966 World Cup.

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