- Pubs and bar licensing hours could be extended if England and/or Wales reach the semi-finals
- or final of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025
- A public consultation will be launched to take views of the public, licensing authorities and hospitality industry
- Opening hours in England and Wales could be extended from 11pm to 1am
Plans are being set out to potentially extend licensing hours during the final stages of this summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, should England and/or Wales reach the tournament’s final stages in Switzerland.
Pubs are places where friends, family and the community come together, and in a forthcoming public consultation, proposals will suggest licensing hours in England and Wales extend from
11pm to 1am if England and/or Wales reach the semi-finals or final of the competition.
The Home Secretary has the power to extend licensing hours for occasions of “exceptional international, national or local significance”.
Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson, said:
“The Lionesses showed us in 2022 what it means to bring football home, and now we want to make sure the whole nation can come together again to cheer on our teams.
“These plans will help our pubs and bars stay open longer if England or Wales make it to the final stages, allowing friends and families to celebrate together and providing a welcome boost
to our hospitality industry.”
As is standard practice, the government will launch a four week consultation to confer views from the public, licensing authorities and hospitality industry before plans are approved.
CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, Michael Kill, said:
“We welcome the government’s proposal to extend pub and bar licensing hours during the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. This is a crucial opportunity for the hospitality sector at a time when many businesses continue to navigate financial challenges. The extension of trading hours from 11pm to 1am during key matches will provide a much-needed economic boost, allowing venues to capitalise on increased footfall and create a vibrant atmosphere for fans to come together and celebrate.
“The exponential growth in the popularity of women’s football presents an incredible moment for both the sport and the night-time economy. The success of the Lionesses in recent years has inspired a new generation of supporters, and it is only right that we embrace this enthusiasm by ensuring fans have the opportunity to enjoy the matches in social settings.
“This initiative not only benefits businesses but strengthens community spirit, reinforcing the importance of pubs and bars as social and cultural hubs.”
The tournament runs from 2 to 27 July 2025.
