England fans impacted as new law comes into effect for Euro 2024 semi-finals

A new law will come into effect on Wednesday evening.

England fans will be impacted by a change in opening hours for pubs on the day of the Euro 2024 semi-final.

The Three Lions will take on the Netherlands in their last four clash on Wednesday, with the winner taking on Spain or France in the final on Sunday.

The match kicks off at 8pm UK time, meaning it could run until comfortably past 10:30pm if both extra time and penalties are required.

 

That would, in normal circumstances, prove to be a significant issue for fans who want to watch the game in a pub, with most closing by 11pm.

But government ministers do have the option to extend licensing hours if there is an occasion of ‘exceptional national significance’.

In Glasgow, pubs are currently being opened up until 1am as part of a year-long trial organised by Glasgow City Council.

 

For Euro 2024, plans were drawn up to allow pubs to open until 1am if either England or Scotland reached the semi-finals of the competition.

That was after a consultation with members of the hospitality industry was held last year, as per Sky News.

Proposals were then debated and passed in Parliament. James Cleverly, who was the Home Secretary under the now former Conservative Government, then implemented the proposals.

England’s Euro 2024 progression has been part of an ongoing bumper summer of sport for British fans.

 

Lewis Hamilton won the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday – a week after fellow Brit George Russell won in Austria – while Emma Raducanu progressed to the fourth round at Wimbledon to record her best result at a tennis Grand Slam since winning the US Open in 2021.

Elsewhere, England’s all-time leading wicket taker James Anderson ends his Test cricket career at Lord’s this week, and the 2024 Olympics gets underway in Paris later this month.

In cycling, Mark Cavendish secured his record-breaking 35th stage win at the Tour de France, while Rory McIlroy will look to win his first golf major in 10 years when he takes part in The Open at Royal Troon Golf Club.