The Government encourages businesses to take part in a very special occasion for London and the nation on Thursday 8 May, the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

To commemorate the end of the Second World War in Europe, each year millions of people come together to celebrate peace and to honour the sacrifice of the wartime generation.
To mark this milestone of 80 years since 1945, the Government has extended pub and bar licensing hours across England and Wales on 8 May for premises already licensed to sell alcohol and late night refreshments until 11 pm, allowing them to do so until 1 am on 9 May.

Whether you run a pub, café, restaurant or music venue, we invite you to make full use of this incentive granted by the Government to create a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where Londoners and visitors alike can reflect and celebrate. There are gatherings planned across the capital, as well as a televised event for 10,000 Londoners and visitors at Horse Guards Parade. With your support, London will be at the heart of the nation’s celebrations.

Beyond VE Day, the Mayor wants to support London’s nightlife businesses to thrive this spring, summer and beyond. As part of this, we want to see more pubs, bars and music venues benefiting from the buzz that comes with extended opening hours and al fresco dining. The Mayor of London is working with the Government to introduce a groundbreaking pilot to support hospitality, leisure and tourism in our city through new strategic licensing powers and will be working with councils to do all we can to ensure Londoners and visitors enjoy a summer to remember.