Statement made by Chris Philp, The Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire
The UEFA Men’s European Championship will take place from 14 June to 14 July 2024.
The Home Office is to launch a consultation on extending licensing hours in England and Wales for certain matches (specifically the semi-final and final) of the 2024 UEFA European Championship contingent on the England men’s national football team and/or the Wales men’s national football team and/or the Scotland men’s national football team playing in those matches. The consultation is aimed at members of the public, local licensing authorities, licensed premises, and other interested parties in England and Wales where these proposals apply.
The extension would ensure that licenced premises in England and Wales wishing to host a viewing of the match and potential post-match celebrations are able to do so.
The Government proposes to make a licensing hours Order under section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003 which would contingently extend opening hours on the days of the semi-final (9 and / or 10 July) and final (14 July) so that they would end at 01:00 (i.e. early in the morning after the matches have taken place rather than 23:00 on the day of the matches) for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises and the provision of regulated entertainment in licensed premises in England and Wales.
The extension would be contingent on England, Wales and/or Scotland reaching those stages of the championship and would not take effect should none of these teams reach those stages of the tournament. I am seeking to use a contingent order to ensure that there is sufficient time to publicly consult on the proposed extension and follow the required Parliamentary procedure.
A copy of the consultation will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses and made available on GOV.UK.
The consultation closes at
11:59pm on 19 February 2024
The Home Office is keen to hear from everyone who may be affected by a national relaxation of licensing hours, including:
- members of the public
- those who live near to licensed premises
- those who own or work in on-trade premises
- the police
- licensing authorities
- trade associations
The consultation covers England and Wales where these proposals apply.
To request to receive the questionnaire in a different format, email [email protected].
After the consultation
Responses will be analysed and a ‘response to consultation’ document will be published. This will explain the government’s final policy intentions. All responses will be treated as public, unless stated otherwise.
