Some Brits may wonder whether businesses will operate differently now that the UK is in a period of official mourning following the Queen's passing. The Queen died at Balmoral yesterday, aged 96, with a statement from Buckingham Palace reading: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."
Following her passing, there is a question of what is next for the United Kingdom. It will affect many things over the coming days and weeks, from sports and shopping to TV schedules. It may also affect pubs, as the country will now observe a period of royal mourning, which will take place until seven days after the Queen’s funeral.
The Mirror explains what this means for pubs and if they will stay open during this time. More details are expected to be announced in the coming days, so this information might be subject to change.
Are pubs allowed to stay open today?
It is down to each individual business to decide whether they want to adjust their opening hours, or close entirely. Official guidance from the Government states: "There is no obligation on organisations to suspend business during the National Mourning period. Depending on the nature and location of their business and the tone of planned events, some businesses may wish to consider closing or postponing events, especially on the day of the State Funeral, however this is at the discretion of individual businesses."
At the time of writing, September 9, most major pub chains - including Wetherspoon, Greene King and Marstons - appear to be open as normal. The day of the Queen's funeral is likely to be declared an official bank holiday - although this has yet to be confirmed. It is thought the funeral could be held on Monday, September 19.
If the day is declared a bank holiday, then businesses may decide to close for the day, or work under reduced hours. Businesses are under no obligation to shut under the so-called Operation London Bridge, which is the plan of action the country is now following after the Queen passed away. More details are expected in the coming days.
What have businesses said about the Queen's death?
Some of the major pub chains have published statements paying their respect to the Queen following her death. Wetherspoon has posted a message on its website, saying: "JD Wetherspoon extends its sincere condolences to the Royal Family on the death of Her Majesty The Queen.The company is grateful for the 70 years of public service which the Queen gave to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, to whom she dedicated her life."
Greene King tweeted: "We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and we are now reflecting on her years of service. Our thoughts go out to the Royal Family and we join the nation in mourning her loss."
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