Statement
I am pleased to launch a consultation on extending licensing hours in England and Wales for the semi-finals and final of the 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championship this summer, contingent on either the England or Wales women’s national football teams playing in the semi-finals and if any of the aforementioned teams subsequently reach the final of that tournament. The consultation is aimed at members of the public, local licensing authorities, licensed premises, and other interested parties in England and Wales where these proposals apply.
Depending on the outcome of the consultation, 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-finals (22 and/or 23 July 2025) and the final (27 July 2025), 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 extension would ensure that those wishing to host a viewing of the matches and potential post-match celebrations are able to do so, which would also provide a welcome boost to pubs and other on-trade businesses.
The extension would be contingent on the England and/or Wales national football teams reaching those stages of the championship and would not take effect should neither of these teams reach those stages of the tournament.
I am seeking to use a contingent Order to extend licensing hours for the semi-finals and the final to ensure that there is sufficient time to consult publicly on the proposed extension and follow the required parliamentary procedure.
A copy of the consultation will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses and published on GOV.UK. The consultation will run until 23 March 2025.
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