Pubs to stay open later as part of VE 80 celebrations

Prime minister Keir Starmer has ordered pubs and bars across the country to be able to keep serving until 1am to celebrate next month’s historic 80th anniversary of VE day.

With parties planned across the country on 8 May 2025, venues with a usual closing time of 11pm will be able to keep their doors open for a further two hours on the day, allowing people to continue their celebrations of the milestone.

Pub licensing hours can also be relaxed to mark occasions of ‘exceptional national significance’, and the government is keen that everyone is able to “raise a glass and celebrate those who served during the Second World War”.

Similar extensions to pub hours have previously been used for major Royal celebrations and significant sporting events, such as the Euro 2024 final.

The extension is due to be a “welcomed boost” to the hospitality industry.

The VE Day commemorations will start on Bank Holiday Monday, with the Cenotaph dressed in Union flags, a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, and an RAF flypast over London.

On 8 May, a day of celebrations across the country will culminate in a party at London’s Horse Guards Parade, with more than 10,000 members of the public attending the event to see performances by stars from the stage and screen.

Starmer said: “As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the whole country should come together to remember the incredible sacrifices made by the wartime generation and to celebrate the peace and freedom they secured for us all.

“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.”

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, added: The 80th anniversary of VE day will see communities across the country come together to mark the special occasion, with many gathering in their local pubs to do so.

“I’m pleased the government is extending licensing hours for the celebrations, which will see thousands raising a glass in tribute to those who served in the war.”

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, concluded: “This is a momentous occasion and, as the nation’s second home, the pub is the perfect place for communities to gather and raise a glass to all of those who made huge sacrifices for our freedom.

“Extending licensing hours will mean people can come together for longer, nurture community spirit, and allow pubs to host even more commemorative events that honour our veterans and heroes and celebrate peace.”