England and Scotland fans could get the chance to celebrate victory or drown their sorrows well into the night as an order to extend licensing hours during the Euros has passed a final hurdle.
The amendment to the Licensing Act 2003 (UEFA European Football Championship Licensing Hours) will extend sales of alcohol if either England or Scotland reach the semi-final or the final of the Euros, meaning premises will be allowed to remain open until 1am without having to notify the licensing authority.
Having passed through the House of Lords today, the order needs only the constitutional formality of royal assent to come into force.
Conservative peer Lord Sharpe of Epsom, told the Lords: “So much of the business at the Home Office is difficult, so it gives me particular pleasure that my last outing basically enables people to get properly on the lash.”
Lord Sharpe added: “My Lords, please drink responsibly.”
He said: “And as I hope Your Lordships will agree, the progression of England and Scotland, or both, to the late stages of the competition would represent just such an occasion.
“Should that happen people will want to come together in celebration and support of the home nation teams.”
Lord Sharpe said that during a Home Office consultation, more than 80 percent of respondents were in favor of the extended licensing.
He added: “However, it would be remiss of me not to mention that the police are not in favor of extending licensing hours given the potential for increased disorder.”
The extended hours will only apply if England or Scotland make it through to the semi-final or final of the Euros, and only on the day those teams play.
They also will not apply to businesses that sell alcohol to be consumed off premises such as supermarkets and off-licences.
Emma McClarkin, Chief Exec of British Beer and Pub Association, welcomed the order soon to be made live, she said: “Short of being in stadiums, nothing comes close to the experience of watching the Euros live in a pub, soaking in the atmosphere. and sharing a beer with friends, and we hope everyone will support not only England and Scotland this summer but also their local, the historic institution that is Great British pub.
“It won't escape the notice of British football fans that when it comes to beer duty they are always losing out to our European competitors as we have the second highest rate in Europe and twelve times more expensive compared to Euros hosts Germany.
“So we are calling on politicians to level the playing field and urge a new government to introduce a fiscal and regulatory framework that supports the British beer and pub sector.”