Wakefield pub opening hours to be extended to mark 75th anniversary of VE Day

Pubs across the Wakefield district will be able to open for longer to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
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The Home Secretary has confirmed pubs, clubs and bars, which are licensed to trade until 11pm, will be allowed to open for an additional two hours, on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 from 11am until 1am the following morning, to mark the anniversary.

The order, laid in Parliament yesterday, will also apply to premises licensed to provide entertainment such as music, dances, plays and films.

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Commemorations and community events will be held across the country to remember the heroism of British, Commonwealth and Allied armed forces personnel and the contribution of ordinary citizens to the war effort.

Pubs across the Wakefield district will be able to open for longer to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.(Getty)Pubs across the Wakefield district will be able to open for longer to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.(Getty)
Pubs across the Wakefield district will be able to open for longer to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.(Getty)

The early May bank holiday has been moved from Monday, May 4 to Friday, May 8 to mark the anniversary.

Home Secretary Priti Patel 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."

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This decision follows a consultation with partners including representatives of licensing authorities, the police, the licensed trade, community groups, veterans’ organisations and the Welsh Government.

Past national occasions where the government has extended licensing hours have included the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012.

Commenting on the announcement, 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.

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"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.

“At CAMRA we want to make sure everyone can, in future, mark special occasions at the pub.

"That’s why, ahead of the Budget, we are calling for a fundamental review of business rates and the introduction of a lower rate of duty for draught beer – which targets beer that is sold in pubs.

"This will encourage consumption of alcohol in a supervised setting, bring investment and employment to high streets and village centres, and allow everyone to take advantage of the social and wellbeing benefits of thriving community pubs.”