THE SNP Government has explained to Ian Murray how devolved laws differ in Scotland after he called for them to keep pubs open for longer on VE Day – something they don't have the power to do.
Murray led the call for the SNP Government to let pubs stay open for longer on Thursday, May 8, to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
South of the Border, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ordered that pubs and bars that usually close at 11pm be able to keep serving for an extra two hours that day in a bid to curry favour with the public.
Starmer said: “As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the whole country should come together to remember the incredible sacrifices made by the wartime generation and to celebrate the peace and freedom they secured for us all.
“Keeping our pubs open for longer will give people the opportunity to join in celebrations and raise a glass to all of the men and women who served their country, both overseas and at home.”
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray issued a statement saying that the SNP Government should follow suit.
“As a former licensee, I know how important pubs are as a focal point in communities and a place for people to come together,” he said.
“I urge the Scottish Government to follow Sir Keir Starmer’s example and let Scotland’s pubs stay open longer to give Scots the opportunity to raise a glass to all those who served at home and overseas.”
However, the Scottish Government said in a statement that SNP ministers do not have the same powers as ministers in England.
“Scottish Ministers do not have a power to grant extensions of licensed hours, unlike the Home Secretary under the England and Wales licensing regime," the Scottish Government explained.
"Independent Licensing Boards in Scotland can grant general extensions of licensed hours if they consider it appropriate to do so in connection with a special event of local or national significance.”
Pub hours have been relaxed before for occasions of “exceptional national significance” such as the Euro 2024 final – in which England lost to Spain – and major royal celebrations.
VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, marks May 8, 1945, when the Second World War ended in Europe as Nazi Germany surrendered to the Allies.
Commemorations will start on the May bank holiday on Monday May 5.
The Cenotaph will be dressed in Union flags and there will be a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace and an RAF flypast over London.
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, said extending pub hours would give the industry a boost.
He said: “As someone with a strong family background in the armed forces, I know how vital it is to honour the legacy of those who served.
“VE Day is not only a moment of remembrance but also an opportunity for communities to come together.
“At such a challenging time for the hospitality sector, allowing businesses to extend their trading hours during these celebrations offers a much-needed boost while paying tribute to our shared history.”
