Pubs and bars will be allowed to open for two extra hours after England take on the Netherlands in the Euro semi-finals.

Football fans are set to descend on venues in Hackney screening the match, which starts at 8pm today (July 10).

Hackney Council has said that premises which are normally licensed to sell alcohol until 11pm will be able to stay open until 1am the next morning.

The change only applies to England matches, meaning that the same rule will apply if England reach Sunday’s final (July 14).

The extension decision comes from the Home Office, which has made an order to relax licensing hours.

It is hoped that the extended hours will give pub-goers longer to celebrate the matches, and provide a boost to the hospitality industry after a number of difficult years.

Hackney Council has said its nights and licensing and environmental protection teams will work directly with venues to ensure they are compliant with the conditions of this extension. 

Cllr Fajana Thomas, cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services, said: “We welcome this opportunity for people to come together and enjoy watching England play in Hackney’s vibrant pubs, clubs and bars during the Euros. 

“We’re committed to creating safer nights out all year round so that people can feel safe and welcome in our borough.

“As part of our ongoing work supporting local venues with regular training and resources, our Hackney Nights team are helping licensed premises prepare for the extra footfall and opening hours.

“And as always, our #DontCrossTheLine campaign is sending a clear message that we don’t tolerate any form of hate, harassment or abuse in Hackney. 

“We wish the England team good luck as they progress in the UEFA EURO 2024 tournament.”

Residents with concerns about the licensing extension are urged to reach out to the Hackney ‘Nights’ team by emailing hackneynights@hackney.gov.uk