We could all toast Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for longer when they wed on 19 May, if plans to allow pubs to stay open longer over that weekend go ahead. It is hoped that pub opening hours will be extended until 1am for the royal wedding, which will take place in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Ministers will begin a public consultation on the proposals, which will see licensing hours in England and Wales extended on the evenings of Friday, 18 May, and Saturday, 19 May. Launching a four-week consultation on the plans, Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: "The Royal Wedding will be a time of national celebration, and we want everyone to be able to make the most of such an historic occasion.
© Photo: Getty Images"I hope that this relaxation of the licensing hours will allow people to extend their festivities and come together to mark what will be a very special moment for the country."
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Football fans will no doubt raise a glass if the plans go ahead as the wedding coincides with the FA Cup final.
© Photo: Getty ImagesIn the past, pub licensing hours have been extended for a number of Royal and other engagements, including the Queen's 90th birthday in 2016, the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011, and the football World Cup in 2014. The British Beer & Pub Association said the extended hours would give a £10m boost to the drinks industry.
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With two hopefully late-nights of drinking, it will be a very merry time for all, not just the Royal family!
