Lads, it could actually be coming home. We might actually do it. And pubs will be allowed a special rule break to help us celebrate.
England have a shot on target of winning Euro 2024 this year. Well, once we’ve beat the Netherlands on Wednesday (10 July) anyway.
After a painful match on Saturday and some nail-biting pens, England defeated Switzerland to take us through to the semi-finals.
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So, fans might already be thinking about having to pull a sickie on Thursday or take some last-minute annual leave as the match doesn’t kick-off until 8pm in UK time.
And let’s stay positive, plenty of us will want to celebrate that win, leading to the worry our locals usually shut on the early side, potentially before the match is even over if it goes into extra time.
However, you’re in for some good news lads, pubs have been allowed a ‘special rule break’ for Wednesday’s big football night.
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While most of us probably aren’t hoping that we end up with another match prolonged by extra time and penalties, there’s always that possibility – but come on boys, please just get a goal or two in ASAP this time.
But either way, it’s likely to be a late one down the pub, especially if the Three Lions do actually make it through to the final. So, whether we’re drowning our sorrows or spending the night celebrating, the pubs will be allowed to stay open until 1am.
That’s thanks to the out-going Home Secretary James Cleverly (he’s replaced by Yvette Cooper following Labour’s win in the General Election) who made the announcement back in May.
Covering venues in England and Wales, he promised us that licensing hours would be relaxed if either England or Scotland (RIP) made it through to the Euro 2024 semi-finals.
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He said: “We have listened to the public through our consultation and will be extending pub licensing hours should England or Scotland reach the semi-finals or final of Euro 2024.”
Cleverly added at the time that this change would ‘allow friends, families and communities to come together for longer to watch their nation hopefully bring it home’.
The person in the position of Home Secretary is allowed to make an order relaxing licensing hours to mark occasions of ‘exceptional national significance’ under Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003.
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And let’s be honest, England making it this far is ‘exceptional’ considering the amount of criticism for their play.
Plus, while it’s good news for fans, it’ll also boost hospitality as people flock to watch the match at the pub. Come on England!
Jess Battison