A new Statutory Instrument came into force on 3 July 2025, following the start of the UEFA European Women’s Championship football competition on 2 July 2025, held in Switzerland this year. The Secretary of State proposed that the period between 22 July and 28 July 2025 would be considered a “celebration period” as it would mark an occasion of exceptional national significance, if England or Wales were to make it to a semi-final or final of the competition.
The statutory instrument has specified terms for licensing hours to be extended if one of the “home nation” teams (England or Wales) make it to the tournament semi-final or final. Following a nail-biting penalty shoot-out on Thursday, England’s Lionesses have secured a place in their sixth consecutive semi-final at a major tournament, and will play Italy at 8pm tomorrow, 22 July 2025.
This means that the statutory instrument powers will be exercised and in England and Wales licensing hours will be extended for the period of two hours beginning at 11pm on Tuesday 22 July 2025 and (if the Lionesses succeed) Sunday 27 July 2025.
The premises licences and club premises certificates are treated as having effect as if 11pm-1am was included in their normal opening hours. These hours apply to premises licences and club premises certificates where the usual opening hours are until the specified time (11pm); the extension must be a continuation of normal opening hours. The statutory instrument does not, however, allow for alcohol to be sold off the premises as part of the licensing extension.
Put simply, pubs can stay open until 1am on Tuesday 22 and Sunday 27 July 2025, to allow for celebrations to continue. Given the penalty shoot-out last week, it is questionable whether this extension will be sufficient!
Good luck England!