Pubs allowed 'special rule break' tomorrow as England play Spain in Euro final
Pubs have been given the green light for a special rule break because it might be - dare I say - coming home.
We're back here again - rewind back three years and England found themselves in a similar situation, a Euro final against a tough opposition in Italy, though that was on home soil.
We all felt the hope of the country on the streets and in the pubs - though it was all ultimately in vein as the Three Lions experience heartbreak on penalties after being locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes of football.
Obviously, the nation will be hoping that it'll be a different outcome come Sunday (14 July) night.
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This entire tournament has been different though, with an unconvincing group stage performance followed up by a dramatic win in extra time over Slovakia and a nervy penalty shoot-out win against Switzerland.
Several pundits and experts didn't rate England's chances as they went into the semi-final against the Netherlands, but an improved performance and a last-gasp winner from substitute Ollie Watkins put Southgate's men in another major tournament final.
Following just two semi-finals in the 50 years after England's solitary World Cup win in 1966, they are now in their second final in the last six years - talk about progress.
It's been a story of defying the odds and proving the doubters wrong this summer, and the Three Lions will be hoping to end it all with a definitive exclamation mark on Sunday night against opponents Spain.
A win could lead to a potential Bank Holiday, though that has been yet to be confirmed.
You may be planning to head down to your local pub or bar to watch the final, and with there being a chance that the game could head to extra time and penalties, pubs have been allowed to break a key rule.
New Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced that licensing laws would be relaxed so that pubs across the nation will allow fans to celebrate deep into the night - if England can finally bring it home, that is.
Pubs have been given the green light to keep their doors open until 1am, two hours later than the nation-wide law of closing by 11pm.
With the final kicking off at 8pm, potential extra time and penalties could take the game well beyond 10:30pm, which would ordinarily allow for a short celebration before being ushered out the door.
However, pub licensing hours can be eased in events of 'exceptional national significance', so come tomorrow night, we can sit in our locals until the early morning hours either celebrating or drowning our sorrows.
Secretary Cooper said as per The Mirror: "We're so proud of Gareth Southgate and the England team. It's right that we can all come together tomorrow to enjoy the match and - do we dare to dream?! - hopefully celebrate an England victory,
"I want to pay special thanks to the police officers and first responders who will be working across communities to keep us safe.
"I look forward to getting behind all our brilliant players, who bring so much pride to our country, and I want to wish the team the best of luck. Let’s bring it home,” she said.
UK Hospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls added: “The Euros have provided a huge boost for hospitality businesses this summer, as fans pack pubs, bars and fan zones to come together and cheer on the home nations.
"The extended licensing hours for the final will allow venues and fans to take advantage of the occasion, and hopefully celebrate an historic England win.”
The move will only apply in England and Wales.
England fans will be hoping that Southgate's side can get the better of Spain, who have been earmarked as favourites to win the tournament after they eliminated hosts Germany in the quarter finals.
The Euro final will be shown on ITV and BBC on Sunday 14 July, with the match kicking off at 8pm.
Topics: Euro 2024, Football, Gareth Southgate, Pubs, UK News
Joshua Nair