Extended hours for Euro 2024 ‘essential’ for pubs and bars, says UKH

Hospitality trade body UKHospitality has warned it is “essential” that trading hours are extended for the semi-finals and final stage of the European Championships next summer.

UKH chief Kate Nicholls said Euro 2024 is set to be a “huge event” for hospitality businesses next summer as fans pack pubs and bars to cheer on the home nations.

It comes after the women’s world cup earlier this year, while muted, helped nudge managed venue sales up 1% ahead of the same week in 2022. At the time it came after a tough run of five consecutive weeks of negative numbers in the second half of July and first half of August.

Commenting on the event next year, Nicholls said: “We support the Home Office proposals to extend licensing hours for the semi-finals and final, should we reach that stage of the tournament. Major sporting events provide a huge revenue boost and extended hours are essential to allow venues and fans to take full advantage.

“This sort of advance planning benefits fans, businesses and the Government, and is exactly the type of approach we have been advocating for in our engagement on this issue for many years. I’m pleased the Home Office is consulting well in advance, acting on our calls on behalf of the sector.”