The government has confirmed that bars in England and Wales will be able to remain open until 01:00 BST to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the bars and bars that are normally closed at 23:00 will be able to serve for two additional hours on Thursday, May 8.
“Making our bar open longer will give people the opportunity to attend the celebration and raise a glass overseas and at home for all men and women serving the country,” Sir Kyle said.
Use similar bar license times for the past few years in the VE Day anniversary as well as large royal celebrations and important sporting events such as the 2024 EURO 2024 final.
On May 8 each year, Nazi Germany was celebrated unconditional surrender to the Allied forces during World War II.
The Prime Minister said the entire country should “get together” this day to remember the incredible sacrifices of the wartime generation and to celebrate the peace and freedom they guaranteed for us all.
The Home Office will place an order before parliament to approve its hours of changes.
The hotel industry welcomes longer opening hours.
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Industry Association, said the day is not only a time to commemorate, but an opportunity to get together.
“At such a tough time in the hospitality industry, allowing businesses to extend transactions during these celebrations provides a much-needed boost to our shared history,” he said.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Bar Association, described the bar as “the second house of America” and “the perfect place for communities to gather and hold up glasses for all who have made great sacrifices for our freedom.”
This year’s VE Day commemorations will begin with an early May 5 holiday, with military parades from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, and Royal Air Force aircraft in London.
Then, on May 8, Westminster Abbey will be offering Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, with more than 10,000 members expected to attend.
Each event will be broadcast live on BBC One.
