Pubs Stay Open Late for VE Day Anniversary Celebrations

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that pubs in England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 1am on May 8, extending their usual closing time by two hours. This move is intended to give the public an opportunity to honor the sacrifices of the wartime generation and celebrate the peace and freedom secured after World War II. The extended hours have been welcomed by the hospitality sector, with industry leaders noting the potential boost during a difficult time for businesses. The anniversary will feature four days of national events, including a military procession, flypasts, the lighting of 2,500 beacons across the UK, and a televised party at Horse Guards Parade. Despite the extended pub hours, the government has ruled out granting an extra bank holiday for the occasion. The commemorations are expected to bring communities together in remembrance and celebration.