Britons will be able to raise a glass for longer as part of their VE Day celebrations on Today (May 8).
Pubs have been given the green light to serve up pints for longer to allow celebrations to run later into the night.
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the milestone date and in a nod to celebrations, venues across England and Wales will not have to ring for last orders until gone midnight.
Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson said the extension represents the Government’s commitment to remembering Britain’s “finest hour”.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had said extending the opening hours “will give people the opportunity to join in celebrations and raise a glass to all of the men and women who served their country”.
In the past, pubs have been granted permission to lengthen serving hours on special occasions.
Pub hours have previously been relaxed for occasions of “exceptional national significance”, including the Euro 2024 final and major royal celebrations.
Speaking in the Commons on April 30, Dame Diana told the room that it was a “worthy” reason to allow people extra time to celebrate.
She said: “The Government considers the 80th anniversary of VE Day to be an occasion of national significance and, as such, worthy of the proposed extension before the House today.
“Turning to the practical details, this order makes provision to relax licensing arrangements in England and Wales and allow licensed premises to extend their opening hours on Thursday May 8 for a further two hours from 11pm until 1am the following morning.
“A truncated consultation was conducted with key stakeholders who were supportive of the extension, and we take the view that this order will not bring about any significant crime and disorder due to the nature of the events.
“However, we recognise that there may be implications for police resourcing, and we will continue to work with stakeholders to mitigate any concerns around the impact.
“As well as enabling celebrations, the extension has the added potential benefit of providing a welcome boost to the hospitality sector, and I hope that members on all sides of the House will agree that this order represents an appropriate use of the powers conferred on the Home Secretary by the Licensing Act 2003.”
Commemorations on Thursday are expected to include a thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey and an evening concert being held at Horse Guards Parade called VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember.
At the Royal Albert Hall another event will take place called VE Day 80: The Party, and will feature the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
