Pubs will stay open longer to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day

What you need to know about the pubs staying open later (Photo: Shutterstock)What you need to know about the pubs staying open later (Photo: Shutterstock)
What you need to know about the pubs staying open later (Photo: Shutterstock)

In commemoration of VE Day, pubs all over England and Wales will receive an extended license of two hours this year.

Here’s what you need to know about the one off extended license.

Staying open longer

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The Home Secretary, Piri Patel, has confirmed that pubs across England and Wales will be able to keep their doors open for longer to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

The pubs, clubs and bars that are licensed to operate until 11pm will be allowed to stay open until 1am on Friday 8 May 2020. This extension will also apply to places licensed to provide entertainment such as music, dances, plays and films.

The statement from the government said, “This decision follows a consultation with partners including representatives of licensing authorities, the police, the licensed trade, community groups, veterans’ organisations and the Welsh Government.”

Patel said, “VE Day events across the country will see the nation come together to pay tribute to the heroes who fought for our freedom and supported the war effort at home.

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Pubs are at the heart of our communities and this is a great opportunity to raise a glass to mark this historic occasion.”

Other occasions where the government has extended the licensing hours of pubs have included the FIFA World Cup 2014 and the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012.

Change of date

VE Day is usually celebrated in the UK on Monday 4 May, however this year it has been changed - which actually left thousands of calendars and diaries with a printing error.

The change of date is to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, which takes place on 8 May.

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Business Secretary Greg Clark said, “Moving next year’s early May bank holiday to VE Day itself is a right and fitting tribute.

“It will ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to remember and honour our heroes of the Second World War and reflect on the sacrifices of a generation.”

This is only the second time ever that the early May bank holiday has been moved, with the first time being in 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of VE Day.

What is VE Day?

VE Day stands for ‘Victory in Europe Day’ and marks the day towards the end of World War Two when fighting with Nazi Germany in Europe came to an end.

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On 8 May 1945, Winston Churchill announced that the war in Europe was over, following Germany’s surrender the day before.

Following the defeat of Germany, celebrations broke out, with more than one million people taking to the streets throughout the UK.

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