From having a bill selected from the ballot of potential private members bills to then having it move through both Houses, has been a privilege. I am extremely grateful to all those who have supported this process, particularly The Lord Watson of Wyre Forest who sponsored the bill in the House of Lords. This has now received Royal Assent and has become law.
Importantly throughout, this has been backed by the British Beer and Pub Association, had government and cross party support reflecting its potential impact. It is a small change that can make a big impact as it will now simplify the process for temporarily relaxing licensing hours on occasions of “exceptional international, national or local significance.” Therefore this summer, should England, Scotland and hopefully Wales, reach a major milestone requiring extensions, there will no longer be the fear that they could not be agreed in time as parliament would be in recess.
