Pubs and bars hope for Euros licensing extension

The Home Office is proposing a relaxation of licensing hours during the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 tournament, should either Wales or England reach the semi-final and/or final.

The consultation (which lasts until 23 March) proposes to extend the licensing hours for the sale of alcohol on the premises only from 11pm to 1am in England and Wales.

For any games taking place on a Sunday, including the final, this will be of significant importance, as many venues are only licensed until 10.30pm on that day of the week.

"We wholeheartedly support the proposal to extend licensing hours for the Women’s Euro’s this summer, which would be beneficial for both the hospitality sector and fans alike," says Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality. "The previous success of the Lionesses has ignited passion for the team across the country, and extending pub hours will allow fans to celebrate together, deliver a welcome boost to businesses and solve any issues presented by the tournament taking place one hour ahead in Switzerland."

In it to win it

England fans will be quietly confident that the Lionesses, current holders, will make it to these final stages of the competition. However, with Wales in the same group as England (along with France and Netherlands), it will be a tall order for both teams to progress that far.

"The evidence from previous major sporting events, such as the men’s Euros, shows the positive impact extended hours can have on sales – with a 34% increase during the semi-finals and a remarkable 46% boost during the final," adds Nicholls.

"This proposal is positive for hospitality, but it also highlights the need for long-term change to this process. That’s why we continue to support the Licensing Hours Extension Bill, which would simplify and streamline the process for extending licensing hours."

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