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21 March 2023 | Comment | Article by Martin Jones

King’s Coronation sees general extension to licensing hours


On 6 May 2023, the coronation of His Majesty the King Charles III will take place at Westminster Abbey, eight months after he acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022. The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, has stated that “His Majesty The King’s coronation will be a momentous occasion deserving of special celebration”.

Section 172 of The Licensing Act 2003 allows the Home Secretary to make an order relaxing licensing hours to mark occasions of “exceptional national significance”. This was previously used in 2022 for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Following a government consultation, 77.1% of the public were in favour of extending licensing hours once again over the coronation weekend. Subsequently, Parliament passed an order on 6 March 2023 extending licensing hours for pubs, clubs and bars in England and Wales from 11pm until 1am on Friday 5 May, Saturday 6 May and Sunday 7 May 2023. This means that licensed premises are able to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises later than usual. Licensing hours for the provision of regulated entertainment will also be extended from 11pm to 1am. However, the order does not extend licensing hours for the sale of alcohol from off-licensed premises.

If you have any questions regarding licensing and your business please get in touch with our Licensing team who would be happy to offer more guidance.

Author bio

Martin Jones

Partner

As the Head of the Regulatory Department, Martin acts in a wide-range of regulatory crime and professional regulation matters. Martin has built up over 20 years of experience and a wealth of specialist knowledge.

He leads the firm’s cross-departmental alcohol and gaming licensing teams. Additionally Martin manages the teams providing a range of outsourced services to local authorities, including court representation of local authorities Adult and Children’s Services Departments.

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