Pubs in England and Wales granted two-hour licence extension on 8 may to mark VE Day milestone.
Pubs and bars across England and Wales will be allowed to serve drinks into the early hours on Thursday 8 May as part of nationwide celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, the government has confirmed.
Under the temporary extension, hospitality venues that normally close at 11pm will be permitted to remain open until 1am. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the decision, describing the anniversary as a time to honour the sacrifices made by the wartime generation and to celebrate the freedoms their courage secured.
“Keeping our pubs open for longer will give people the opportunity to join in celebrations and raise a glass to all of the men and women who served their country, both overseas and at home,” Sir Keir said.
The change follows precedent set on previous VE Day anniversaries and during other major national events such as royal weddings, jubilees, and the Euro 2024 final. The Home Office will table a formal order in Parliament to approve the two-hour licence extension.
VE Day commemorates Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender to Allied forces, which brought an end to the Second World War in Europe on 8 May 1945. It remains one of the most significant moments in British history, often marked with reflection, pageantry, and community gatherings.
This year’s milestone anniversary will begin with events on the Early May Bank Holiday, Sunday 5 May. A military procession will march from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, followed by an RAF flypast across London’s skies. The main commemorations on 8 May will include a solemn service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, and a large-scale evening concert at Horse Guards Parade, attended by over 10,000 members of the public. All major events will be broadcast live on BBC One.
The hospitality sector has welcomed the move, calling it both a symbolic and economic lifeline. Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said the extra hours would give struggling venues a much-needed boost. “At such a challenging time for the hospitality sector, allowing businesses to extend their trading hours during these celebrations offers a much-needed boost while paying tribute to our shared history,” he said.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, also praised the decision. “Pubs are the nation’s second home, the perfect place for communities to gather and raise a glass to all of those who made huge sacrifices for our freedom,” she said.
The move is part of a broader effort by the government to promote public participation in this landmark anniversary, encouraging a sense of unity and remembrance. Ministers hope that longer pub hours will not only facilitate commemorative toasts but also stimulate local economies through extended evening trade.
The government has indicated that it will support public authorities and police forces in managing the late-night celebrations to ensure safety. Past VE Day anniversaries have seen street parties, concerts, and remembrance events held across the country, drawing crowds from all generations.
This year’s 80th anniversary is expected to be one of the final commemorations to involve surviving World War Two veterans, adding an extra layer of poignancy to the proceedings. Community groups, councils, and schools are also planning local events, with a national moment of silence and bell-ringing scheduled for the evening of 8 May.
The public is being encouraged to mark the occasion however they can—whether attending formal ceremonies, joining street parties, or simply raising a glass in a local pub.
THE TELEGRAPH
Pubs in England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 1am on Friday, 9 May 2025, to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The government has approved a temporary extension to licensing laws, giving people more time to raise a toast to those who served in the Second World War. VE Day, which commemorates the Allied victory in Europe in 1945, officially falls on Thursday, 8 May, but the extended hours apply to the following Friday evening to support public celebrations. Home Secretary James Cleverly said it was a fitting tribute to the “heroes who sacrificed so much.” The move has cross-party support, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves saying the country owes a great debt to the wartime generation. Communities across the UK are expected to hold events and gather in pubs to honour veterans and those who contributed on the Home Front. The change mirrors previous late openings for national celebrations like the Platinum Jubilee.
THE GUARDIAN
Pubs in England and Wales will be permitted to stay open until 1am on 9 May 2025 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced. The extension supports nationwide celebrations honouring the end of the Second World War in Europe. Festivities will span four days, including a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, an RAF flypast over London, and the lighting of 2,500 beacons across the UK. A special televised event at Horse Guards Parade is scheduled for 8 May. Starmer urged the nation to come together to honour the wartime generation’s sacrifices and to celebrate the peace they secured. The move mirrors previous licensing extensions for national events such as Euro 2024 and Queen Elizabeth II’s jubilee. Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, welcomed the decision, noting it offers both a tribute to shared history and a financial lifeline for the struggling hospitality sector amid current economic pressures.
