Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wedding 2018: Pubs minister urges revellers to celebrate Royal Wedding at their local
It has not been the best start to the year for the UK’s pubs.
Snow had a severe impact on business during February and March, while tax hikes which came into effect this month are set to add to the pressure forcing 18 pubs to close every week.
But Jake Berry, the minister responsible for looking after the Great British pub, says the public can help by raising a glass to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on the day of the Royal Wedding.
The industry is expected to get a £10m boost on 19 May, thanks to an extension in opening hours for pubs.
“Pubs are a cornerstone of many communities and I’m encouraging people to raise a glass to the happy couple in their local on May 19th,” he said.
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The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) backed the message.
National chairman Colin Valentine said: “Pubs play a hugely important role in landmark days in peoples’ lives, including weddings.
“Extending opening hours will provide a welcome boost to the industry and help ensure the public can celebrate, hopefully by toasting to the happy couple with a pint of traditional real ale.”
Extended opening hours at pubs will not be the only boost to the UK’s leisure and hospitality sector. Travel and tourism operators are expecting a surge of overseas visitors to coincide with the royal weekend.
Eurostar has already said it expects a US passenger surge to continue due to the wedding.
Online travel agent Opodo also revealed a 33 per cent increase in passenger bookings to London during the weekend. German visitors were the top bookers, closely followed by Spain and France.
Robert McNamara, head of UK at eDreams ODIGEO, says: “The royal family continues to have massive worldwide appeal, so it makes sense that our findings show a substantial spike in visits to the capital for the weekend of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in nearby Windsor.
“Major cultural events such as this always provide a huge opportunity for UK tourism and we hope our global guests enjoy the best Britain has to offer – in Windsor, London and beyond.”
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