Pubs in England and Wales will be able to remain open until 01:00 BST to commemorate VE Day’s 80th anniversary, the government confirmed.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said that pubs and bars that usually close at 23:00 will be able to continue serving for two additional hours on Thursday, May 8.
“Keep our pubs open for longer will give people the opportunity to join celebrations and raise a glass to all the men and women who served their country, both abroad and at home,” said Sir Keir.
Extensions similar to pub license hours have been used on the anniversaries of the day in previous years, as well as the main real celebrations and significant sporting events such as the final of the Eurocup 2024.
The day sees, or victory on Europe, is celebrated on May 8 every year to mark the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to allied forces in World War II.
The prime minister said that the whole country should “join” this day to “remember the incredible sacrifices made by the generation of war and celebrate the peace and freedom that they assured us all.”
The Ministry of Interior will establish an order before the Parliament for its approach to deliver the change in the hours.
The longest opening schedules have been welcome by the hotel industry.
Michael Kill, executive director of the Association of Night Industries, said the day was not only a moment of memory, but also an opportunity to join.
“At such a difficult time for the hospitality sector, which allows companies to extend their negotiation hours, duration celebrations sacrifice a very necessary impulse while paying tribute to our shared history,” he said.
Emma McClarkin, executive director of the British Association of Beer and Pub, described the pubs as “the second home of the nations” and the “perfect place for communities to meet and criticize a glass to all who made great sacrifices for our freedom.”
The commemorations for the day see this year will begin at the beginning of May Bank Holiday on May 5, with a military process from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace and a Flypast Raf on London.
Then, on May 8, there will be a Thanksgiving service in Westminster Abbey before a live concert of Horse Guards Parade, which is expected to attend more than 10,000 members of the public.
Each event will be broadcast live in BBC One.
