Raise a glass to the King! Coronation weekend to see pubs open until 1 am

Draft Beer (Image by Marcelo Ikeda Tchelão at Pixabay)

Booze-loving Brits can rejoice as the Home Secretary has announced that pubs, clubs, and bars will have longer opening hours during the King's coronation weekend in May. The extended opening hours will allow establishments across England and Wales to serve punters for an extra two hours, until 1 am, so they can “enjoy an extra pint or two”.

The move has been backed by the hospitality sector and 77% of the public, according to a month-long consultation. Under Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003, the Home Secretary has the power to change the opening hours and give premises permission to open longer.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman believes that the King’s coronation is a momentous occasion that deserves a special celebration. "That is why I am extending the licensing hours over this historic Coronation weekend. Up and down the country, people can enjoy an extra pint or two in the evening while families and friends can come together to wish His Majesty The King a long and happy reign."

Emma McClarkin OBE, chief executive officer of the British Beer and Pub Association, praised the move, describing it as a "timely boost" for the pub industry. "In the midst of an acutely challenging period, I am sure our pubs will look to mark this joyous occasion by hosting special events and parties as part of national celebrations. The announcement of extended opening hours will help us all to mark this important event. It is sure to be a time for community and celebration, and the great British pub is always right at the heart of both, so I would encourage everyone to head down to their local and raise a toast to His Majesty during the Coronation weekend."

If you're planning on joining in on the celebrations, make sure to take note of the extended hours, which will be in place from Friday, May 5, until Sunday, May 7. The coronation itself will take place on May 6 at Westminster Abbey in London, followed by an official bank holiday across the UK on Monday, May 8. On this day, the Big Help Out initiative encourages people to volunteer in their local communities.