Overview

• The Home Office activated its ‘exceptional national significance’ licence today, allowing pubs in England and Wales to serve until 1am for the Women’s Euro semi-final in Geneva.
• Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said the extended hours would enable fans to watch and celebrate together for longer.
• Normally subject to an 11pm closing time, pubs can now offer an extra two hours of service under the temporary measure.
• A spending report by Global Data and VoucherCodes.co.uk predicts that tonight’s extensions will add over £135m to hospitality and retail sales.
• The exemption will automatically recur for the final on July 27 if England progress past Italy in tonight’s match.