Region's pubs can open late for Jubilee

Pubs across the region will stay open until 1am to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, it has emerged.

Landlords are set to open longer on June 1 and 2 in moves which are likelyto generate hundreds of millions of extra pounds in revenue for the struggling industry.

It comes as figures show 3,500 applications have been made nationwide for street parties to mark the jubilee.

The Local Government Association predicts that, combined with the number of events planned in gardens, parks, pubs, and town squares, the scale of the celebrations is likely to be greater than that of last year's Royal Wedding.

Pub bosses will not have to ask for permission from licensing bosses to take advantage of later opening on the two nights. Government bosses took the decision after a seven-week consultation with police, councils and the public.

Pubs were also allowed to open later during the Royal Wedding last April, which generated around £600 million in revenue.

Angus McMeeking, director of brewery Black Country Traditional Inns, said the company's 25 pubs would take advantage of the extended opening times. He said:?"I think an awful lot of our customers are great supporters of the monarchy anyway and any excuse to have a party is great news."

A spokesman for Wolverhampton-based Marston's said: "Each pub will open to suit its individual customer base throughout the jubilee celebrations."

Pub history expert Keith Watkins, from Walsall Camra, said: "There will be a general national celebration at the time and pubs can capitalise on this."

Plans to extend opening hours for the Olympics were also considered but were later turned down.