Government consult on Euro 2024 extension for semi-finals and final if.......

The Government has today published a consultation on extending licensing hours for the semi final and final of Euro 24 if England Wales or Scotland football teams are playing in those matches.

The consultation was published today 27^Th November and will close at 11.59pm on 19^th February

A link to the consultation can be found here: 'Open consultationExtending licensing hours for UEFA Euro 2024 matches'

The consultation description states as follows:

“We are keen to hear from everyone who may be affected by a national relaxation of licensing hours, including:

• members of the public
• those who live near to licensed premises
• those who own or work in on-trade premises
• the police
• licensing authorities
• trade associations

The consultation covers England and Wales where these proposals apply.

To request to receive the questionnaire in a different format, email alcohollicensingconsultations@homeoffice.gov.uk.”

The consultation states as follows:

“The proposal is to extend licensing hours if the England men’s national football team (England) and/or the Wales men’s national football team (Wales) and/or the Scotland men’s national football team (Scotland) is successful in reaching the semi-final of Euro 2024 and if any of these teams subsequently reach the final of that tournament. The Government proposes to make a licensing hours Order under section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003 which would contingently extend opening hours on the days of the semi-final (9 and/or 10 July) and final (14 July) so that they would end at 01:00 (i.e. early in the morning after the matches have taken place) rather than 23:00 on the day of the matches for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises.

 The Government has decided that, were it to relax licensing hours nationally following this consultation, this would be contingent on England and/or Wales and/or Scotland reaching the semi-final of the tournament, with a further extension should any of these teams then reach the final. No extension would come into place on any date during the tournament should the aforementioned team/s not participate in those matches. If the aforementioned team/s reach the semi-final, but are unsuccessful in that match, the extension would only apply to the relevant semi-final match, and hours would not then be extended for the final.

 Any extension would relate to the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises only and the provision of late-night refreshment in on-trade licensed premises.”

We shall keep you posted as to updates but as with all consultations we urge the Industry to respond with your views on these matters.