Pubs to get Royal Wedding late license extension

12-Jan-2011 - Last updated on 12-Jan-2011 at 13:04 GMT

Kate Middleton and Prince William's wedding is expected to boost British tourism

Ministers are expected to allow pubs in England and Wales to stay open for longer for two nights of the Royal Wedding weekend, in a bid to boost tourism.

Under the proposal, all landlords will be allowed to continue trading until 1:00am on the bank holiday and following Saturday, which in alliance with the May Day bank holiday on 2 May, has created a four-day weekend.

The move has been spearheaded by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles, and will be outlined to MPs shortly.

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “This is great news, and it is really good to see the Government recognising that this is a brilliant opportunity for us all to get together in the pub, to celebrate a great national event.

“With state-of-the art TV, great food and hospitality, pubs will be right at the heart of the royal wedding celebrations, and are the perfect place to enjoy the day. Looking forward to 2012, let’s hope we can do the same for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.”

The Government has also announced a four-day weekend in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on 2-5 June 2012.

"Positive boost"

Rufus Hall, chief executive at Orchid Group, which manages 290 bars and restaurants in the UK, said: “Everyone at Orchid is very excited about the Royal Wedding and we will be celebrating along with the rest of the UK.

“Being allowed to stay open until 1am over the two days is great news for the industry and will allow our customers to celebrate in a comfortable and safe environment. Let's hope the wedding will give the country the positive boost it needs to banish the recessionary blues!”

Prince William and Kate Middleton are to marry at Westminster Abbey on 29 April.