EXTRA TIME AT THE BAR

Pubs free to serve pints to fans til 1am

- LIZZY BUCHAN, GRAHAM HISCOTT

ENGLAND supporters will be able to toast their team - or drown their for longer in pubs and sorrows bars tomorrow night.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has relaxed the licencing laws to let boozers stay open until lam after Gareth Southgate's men battle it out in the Euro 2024 final.

Pubs and bars can stay open for an extra two hours after an event of "exceptional national significance".

Ms Cooper said: "We're so proud of Gareth and the England team. It's right that we can all come together tomorrow to enjoy the match and - do we dare to dream- hopefully celebrate an England victory."

Pubs are expected to be heaving well before the 8pm kick-off, with up to 17 million pints predicted to be served.

Hospitality bosses said the move would be another welcome boost to the industry. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: "As with the semifinals, pubs will be licensed to stay open until lam.