King's coronation: Pubs to stay open later during May bank holiday weekend

Britons will be able to order pints later into the night during King Charles’s coronation weekend after MPs approved moves to allow venues to stay open longer.

Pubs, clubs and bars in England and Wales have been given the go-ahead to continue serving customers for two hours beyond their usual closing time to celebrate the new King.

The extended licensing hours will apply from 11pm on Friday, 5 May, Saturday, 6 May and Sunday, 7 May.

The House of Commons supported the regulations without the need for a formal vote.

Home secretary Suella Braverman previously said of the change: “His Majesty The King’s coronation will be a momentous occasion deserving of special celebration.

“That is why I am extending the licensing hours over this historic coronation weekend.

“Up and down the country, people can enjoy an extra pint or two in the evening while families and friends can come together to wish His Majesty The King a long and happy reign.”

The long weekend will continue into the Monday, which will be an official extra bank holiday to mark the occasion.

Watch: Tourists to walk on site of King’s coronation for first time – in socks

More than 30 screens will be set up across the country to allow people to watch Charles being crowned in large crowds.

Confirmed sites include Cardiff Castle, Belfast City Hall, Piece Hall in Halifax, Jubilee Square in Brighton and Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester.

The coronation celebrations include “global music icons and contemporary stars” for a concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday, televised live on the BBC.

That day, people are being invited to gather for a “coronation big lunch” overseen and organised by the Big Lunch team at the Eden Project.

While most of the country will be celebrating, it has not yet been confirmed if Harry and Meghan will be in attendance at the coronation.

Palace staff have reportedly been told to factor the Sussexes into the arrangements.

But the couple, who have begun using titles for their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have not said if they will attend the ceremony, which falls on Archie’s fourth birthday.