Pubs, restaurants, shops and cinemas have been in talks on Monday (September 12) over whether they will open on the day of the Queen's funeral. It has been announced the service will take place on Monday, September 19, at Westminster Abbey at 11am following the death of Queen Elizabeth II last Thursday (September 8).
There is no obligation to close during the mourning period. Official guidance has advised that businesses may want to consider closing or postponing events particularly on the day of the state funeral but it is left to the discretion of the individual business. The day has been declared a bank holiday and schools will be closed.
The country's leading pub chain Greene King initially announced its pubs would remain open allowing people to gather to mourn and reflect together on the life of the Queen. However, it has now issued an updated statement, saying: “Our pubs are a place for communities to come together, so all of our pubs in central London and most of those with televisions across the country will be open throughout Monday showing HM Queen Elizabeth’s funeral service.
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"For those pubs and restaurants that don’t have televisions, such as our casual dining venues, we’ll be opening after the service. Customers are advised to contact their local pub to confirm opening times as these could be subject to change.”
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