It’ll be beer gardens galore when Euro 2024 rolls around this summer. We’ll cheer on England with a cold, crisp pint in the sunshine no matter the outcome at this year’s tournament – but who doesn’t want a few extra hours down the pub?
The Three Lions will have an extra incentive to succeed in Germany, as it will mean fans back home can celebrate long into the night. Home Secretary James Cleverly has revealed that pubs will stay open late if either England or Scotland reach the semi-finals.
“We have listened to the public through our consultation and will be extending pub licensing hours should England or Scotland reach the semi-finals or final of Euro 2024,” said James Cleverly. “This boost to the hospitality sector will allow friends, families and communities to come together for longer to watch their nation hopefully bring it home.”
In what would surely be a boost to our boozers, it means pubs could choose to close as late as 1am on the night of the semi-finals. The legislation would only include pubs in England and Wales, however, as Scotland’s devolved licensing boards are independent bodies. It’s unclear if they’ll follow suit, so we may see The Tartan Army flooding south come July.
“Cheering on your team, in the atmosphere of the pub, surrounded by friends and local community, is an experience that you can’t get anywhere else,” said CAMRA Chairman, Nik Antona. “Recognising the unique nature of the pub in this way is a much-needed boost for licensees, who have faced an uphill struggle to remain profitable in recent years in the face of spiralling costs.”
Either England or Scotland will have to get out of the Group Stages and progress through the Round of 16 and Quarter-finals before this could happen – which might lead to some awkward support of our arch-rivals this summer. The semi-finals take place July 9 & 10 (a Tuesday and Wednesday, so maybe book the week-off work).
Euro 2024 kicks off on June 14 with Scotland playing host nation Germany (and one of the tournament favourites), followed by games against Switzerland (June 19) and Hungary (June 23). England’s first game against Serbia is on June 16, before playing Denmark (June 20) and Slovenia (June 25).