Pubs will be allowed to stay open until 1am on matchdays if England or Scotland reach the Euro 2024 semi-finals, it has been announced.
The Government says it will relax licensing laws if either or both home nations make the final four in July. Last time around England made it all the way to the final before missing out on penalties against Italy.
Legislation will be put before Parliament as optimistic MPs prepare the ground for more heroics from Gareth Southgate’s team. Home Secretary James Cleverly is allowed to extend opening hours to mark occasions of “exceptional national significance”.
He 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.” He went on: “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.”
The move will only apply in England and Wales – the Scottish Parliament will have to pass its own measure to extend opening hours. England are among the favourites to lift the trophy, with bookies offering odds of 3/1 for Gareth Southgate’s men to return from Germany victorious.
