Pubs set to stay open later to celebrate King’s coronation

Brits could be looking forward to extended celebrations for the coronation of King Charles III as pubs, clubs and bars are expected to stay open longer to recognise the event.

Though Charles is already the King of England, he is set to be officially crowned on Saturday, 6 May 2023 alongside his wife Camilla, The Queen Consort.

The government already confirmed last month that the public would get to enjoy an extra bank holiday on 8 May to celebrate the event, giving even the least patriotic Brits three whole nights of guilt-free partying, but now each of those nights could go on for even longer than expected.

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Officials are set to consult on extending licensing hours from 11pm until 1am on 5, 6, and 7 May 2023, with the Home Office explaining that the extension would provide 'an opportunity for our communities to come together and celebrate this historic moment, and support our hospitality industry'.

Laws already in place allow the hours to be extended to mark occasions of 'exceptional national significance', such as a new King taking the throne.

Commenting on the events, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: "His Majesty the King's coronation will be a historic moment that will see our great nation and the entire Commonwealth joined together in celebration.

"Our country, and in particular our hospitality industry, has faced many challenges in recent years and the King's coronation is an opportunity to give a boost to our local businesses, and celebrate with our local communities."

Braverman added: "Over the Bank Holiday weekend we can raise a glass to our new monarch, and with our friends and families wish him a long and successful reign."

King Charles' coronation will be held at Westminster Abbey, London, and will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury in front of his peers, some of the country's MPs, and foreign heads of state.

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The event will be broadcast live for members of the public to watch from home, and is expected to last just over an hour - after which you can focus on heading to the pub.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak previously described the coronation as a 'unique moment for our country' as he announced the additional bank holiday, adding: "In recognition of this historic occasion, I am pleased to announce an additional bank holiday for the whole United Kingdom next year.”

“I look forward to seeing people come together to celebrate and pay tribute to King Charles III by taking part in local and national events across the country in his honour.”