One of the UK’s leading procurement groups is backing proposals to allow pubs to stay open until 1am to break out the bubbly and toast Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s marriage.
Hospitality and catering specialists the Regency Purchasing Group says publicans nationwide will be raising a glass to the Royal newlyweds if licensing laws are relaxed in mid-May.
The British Beer and Pub Association claims the move would bring a much-needed £10 million boost to the pub trade.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd has launched a four-week consultation on potentially extending the usual opening hours on the Royal wedding weekend of May 18 and 19, which also coincides with the FA Cup Final.
Alex Demetriou, Managing Director of the Regency Group, said he hopes the Home Office presses ahead with the plans.
“In the current economic climate, more and more people are being forced to tighten the purse strings and cut back, and that usually means that leisure activities are the among the ‘luxuries’ that they have to give up. “Trading in the hospitality industry is becoming more and more challenging each year with increases in utilities, minimum wage costs, insurance costs and business rates, so anything which can help boost trade can only be a good thing.
“With times being hard for many, people tend to need a good excuse to go out, and extending the hours during this weekend will provide more opportunity for them to do that.
“With the wedding weekend falling between two bank holidays, May could be a much-needed bumper month for pub and restaurant operators.
“A precedent has been set for it, with the opening hours being extended when Prince William married Kate Middleton in 2011, and again for the Queen’s 90th birthday in 2016.
“As the nation comes together to celebrate the royal wedding, hopefully the hospitality industry will be given something to smile about, too.”
The Regency Group provides purchasing solutions to a large number of bars, restaurants and golf clubs nationwide among the portfolio of more than 2,700 leisure businesses it works with, which also includes farm attractions, hotels and many other businesses and tourist attractions.