The government has confirmed that Pubs and Bars in England and Wales will be allowed to stay open for extra hours to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Pubs and Bars that usually close at 23:00 will see the serving license extended to 1:00 AM.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, "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."

An order will be laid before the parliament by the Home Office to approve the extended licensing hours in the coming weeks.

The Night Time Industries Association welcomed the news and described it by their chief executive, Michael Kill, as a “much-needed boost” to the hospitality sector.

VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) is celebrated every 8^th May since 1945 to mark the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces. It marks the historic moment of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

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