HC Deb 25 January 1962 vol 652 cc27-8W
36. Commander Kerans

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the difficulty of transport and the fact that it was the eve of a religious festival, what considerations led him to allow licensed premises in the Metropolitan Police district of London to remain open until midnight on 24th–25th December, 1961.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

For many years it has been the practice of the Commissioner of Police, with the approval of the Home Secretary, to grant special orders of exemption extending the permitted hours on Christmas Eve in licensed premises and clubs in the Metropolitan Police district until midnight or later. This practice was followed on the last previous occasion when Christmas Eve fell on a Sunday, and my right hon. Friend saw no reason why it should not be followed last year.