A Tory peer said an order extending licensing hours during Euro 2024 will enable “people to get properly on the lash”.
The Licensing Act 2003 (UEFA European Football Championship Licensing Hours) passed through the House of Lords and is ready for royal assent in time for this summer’s tournament in Germany.
It will extend sales of alcohol in pubs if either England or Scotland reach the semi-final or the final of the Euros.
Landlords can remain open until 1am without having to notify the licensing authority.
Conservative Lord Sharpe of Epsom told the Lords: “So much of the business at the Home Offices is difficult, so it gives me particular pleasure that my last outing basically enables people to get properly on the lash.
“My Lords, please drink responsibly.”
Three years on from the heartbreak of losing to Italy at Wembley, England head to Germany among the favourites for glory.
Harry Kane, Harry Maguire, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon and Jack Grealish are among stars on the plane for the month-long festival of football starting on June 14.
Earlier, Lord Sharpe said existing legislation facilitated relaxed opening hours “to mark occasions of exceptional international, national or local significance.”
He said: “And as I hope Your Lordships will agree, the progression of England and Scotland, or both, to the late stages of the competition would represent just such an occasion.
“Should that happen people will want to come together in celebration and support of the home nation teams.”
Lord Sharpe said that during a Home Office consultation, more than 80 per cent of respondents were in favour of the extended licensing.
He added: “However, it would be remiss of me not to mention that the police are not in favour of extending licensing hours given the potential for increased disorder.
“Police deployments and resourcing are operational matters, of course, but I’m sure forces will, as they have in the past, put in place plans to minimise the risk.
“It’s also worth pointing out that this is a limited, two-hour extension to licensing hours, which is a proportionate approach to mark these events.”
Liberal Democrat peer Lord Addington said the measures are “very reasonable and it sets a good precedent for actually when having an extra bit of celebration for a major event”.
He thanked fellow peers for their work over the current Parliamentary session and wished them well over the General Election, stating: “(I) hope that nobody here gets bitten by a dog when delivering a leaflet.”
The extended hours will only apply on the day if England or Scotland play in the semi-final or final.
They also will not apply to businesses that sell alcohol to be consumed off premises such as supermarkets and off-licences.
