Pubs allowed extended opening for royal wedding

All pubs are expected to be allowed to stay open until 1am for two nights of celebrations for the royal wedding.

Prince William and Kate Middleton will marry at Westminster Abbey on Friday April 29.

The move would give landlords the power to extend their opening hours on the night of the wedding without having to seek permission from local licensing authorities.

The party would also be able to continue to 1am on the Saturday night, it is understood.

Ministers will outline the plans to MPs today.

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: "This is great news, and it is really good to see the Government recognising that this is a brilliant opportunity for us all to get together in the pub, to celebrate a great national event.

"With state-of-the art TV, great food and hospitality, pubs will be right at the heart of the royal wedding celebrations, and are the perfect place to enjoy the day.

"Looking forward to 2012, let's hope we can do the same for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee."