Pubs will be allowed to stay open for an additional two hours to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
The early May bank holiday has been switched to Friday May 8, instead of Monday May 4, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Second World War ending in Europe and the Nazi's defeat.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has confirmed licensed premises will be able to extend their opening hours by two hours on the day. The Home Office says pubs, clubs and bars which are licensed to serve until 11pm on a Friday will be able to trade until 1am.
Ms Patel said: "Pubs, clubs and bars that are licensed to trade until 11pm will get a top-up of an extra two hours to take them into Saturday morning, the Home Office said.
“VE Day events across the country will see the nation come together to pay tribute to the heroes who fought for our freedom and supported the war effort at home.”
“Pubs are at the heart of our communities and this is a great opportunity to raise a glass to mark this historic occasion.”
The plan was first announced by the Government in October, but on Wednesday Ms Patel confirmed a motion allowing licensing hours to be extended will be put before MPs.
Commenting on the announcement that pub opening hours will be extended for the 75th anniversary of VE Day, CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: “It’s great to see the Government extending pub opening hours for this year’s VE Day celebrations.
"In doing so, they recognise the community value pubs have.
"This will allow people to mark the contribution that our armed forces personnel and everyone on the home front made to the war effort.
"We encourage everyone to take advantage of this by getting down to their local and taking part in events run across England and Wales to mark this historic anniversary."
