Ministers now have a quicker route to later closing times. The Licensing Hours Extensions Act 2026 received Royal Assent on Thursday 12 February 2026 and is in force. It enables licensing hours orders to be made by negative statutory instrument rather than the slower affirmative procedure. The Act applies to England and Wales and commenced on the day it was passed. (hansard.parliament.uk)

In practical terms, a negative instrument is signed by the minister and takes effect immediately, remaining law unless either House objects within 40 sitting days. That keeps scrutiny in play but removes the scheduling risk that has previously tripped up time‑sensitive extensions. (instituteoflicensing.org)

For hospitality, this change targets a very specific pain point: late confirmation of major events. During the Women’s World Cup final in 2023, many pubs missed trading windows because Parliament was in recess and there was no route to a blanket extension at short notice. The new law is designed to avoid a repeat. (hansard.parliament.uk)

The first real‑world test is likely to be this summer. The Home Office has already consulted on extending hours for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, proposing later opening-up to 1am after the semi‑final(s) and final-if a home nation reaches those stages. Officials estimate 132,200 eligible on‑trade premises across England and Wales, with 10–20 percent potentially opting to open later. (gov.uk)

The revenue at stake is not trivial. Industry figures cited in Parliament suggest a single televised match can shift around 6.8 million pints; without timely relaxations, venues could miss 1.7 million pints-over £6 million-on a big game. Faster national orders are meant to preserve that trade when moments of significance arise. (hansard.parliament.uk)

What changed under the bonnet is technical but targeted. The Act amends section 197 of the Licensing Act 2003 to remove the requirement for affirmative approval of Licensing Hours Orders. In plain English: ministers can now act quickly, and Parliament can still intervene if needed. (bills.parliament.uk)

What has not changed are the licensing objectives-preventing crime and disorder, protecting public safety, limiting public nuisance, and safeguarding children-and local conditions remain in force. Any blanket extension is optional for businesses; those that do open later avoid filing individual Temporary Event Notices for the covered window. (legislation.gov.uk)

Devolution matters. The new process covers England and Wales only; Scotland and Northern Ireland operate separate regimes and would need their own measures if they want a similar fast‑track. Cross‑border operators should plan on that basis. (hansard.parliament.uk)

For operators, the planning shift is immediate. Build ‘flex hours’ rosters that can be activated inside 48 hours, pre‑agree deliveries for late finishes, and update event‑night risk assessments with local police and licensing teams. Brief door staff on last‑entry times, refresh dispersal plans, and coordinate transport messaging so customers can actually get home.

Finance directors should treat these extensions as pop‑up trading windows. Model staff costs against expected uplift per hour, line up supplier credit for sudden spikes in wet sales, and prepare comms that flip from ‘standard’ to ‘extended’ opening at short notice. The law creates the option; value comes from how quickly teams can switch it on.