Seasonal Celebrations: Are Your Opening Hours Helping or Hurting Your Business?

Close-up of refreshing cocktails with mint and lime at a bar in Porto, ideal for summer parties.

As we move through the year, seasonal celebrations, bank holidays, and special events offer fantastic opportunities to boost your business. Whether you run a pub, bar, restaurant, or hospitality venue, getting your opening hours right is critical if you want to fully capitalise on these high-demand occasions.

Here at Innpacked, we can help you review, adjust, and optimise your trading hours — whether that’s through a variation to your premises licence or a temporary change for a one-off event. With the right licensing setup, you can unlock new revenue streams, attract more customers, and stand out from the competition.

Why Your Opening Hours Matter More Than Ever

With the final COVID-19 regulations officially ending on 31st March, many businesses are returning to normal — but what does ‘normal’ even mean in 2025?

The way people socialise, dine, and celebrate has evolved over the past few years. Long gone are the days of rigid Friday night outings and traditional pub hours. Today’s customers are embracing brunch parties, afternoon celebrations, and late-night pop-ups. Special events like bank holidays, seasonal festivals, and sporting finals are no longer just about the evening rush — they’re all-day opportunities.

Want to check upcoming UK public holidays? Visit the official GOV.UK Bank Holidays page to plan ahead.

Tailored Licensing Solutions to Match Your Business Needs

Innpacked understand that no two venues are the same. That’s why we offer a flexible range of licensing services to help you adjust your opening hours in a way that works for your business model, your customers, and your calendar of events.

Your Options Explained

✅ Minor Variations
Perfect for small, permanent adjustments to your opening hours or licensable activities. Check out the Home Office Licensing Guidance for more on licensing processes.

✅ Major Variations
If you’re planning bigger changes — such as significantly extending hours, adding live music, or introducing new licensable activities (like off-site alcohol sales or outdoor bars) — a major variation ensures your licence reflects your evolving business.

✅ Temporary Event Notices (TENs)
Hosting a one-off celebration? Whether it’s a St. Patrick’s Day party, bank holiday BBQ, or Christmas market, a TEN allows you to extend hours or add licensable activities without permanently changing your licence. Learn more directly from the Government’s TEN guidance.

Seasonal Celebrations = Golden Opportunities

Let’s face it — bank holidays and seasonal events can make or break your year. These peak trading periods attract big crowds, boost footfall, and generate significant revenue — but only if you’re able to trade at the right times.

Imagine the frustration of having to close your doors just as the party’s getting started because your licence doesn’t allow for extended hours. Worse still, what if your competitors down the street stay open late and steal your crowd?

To seize the moment, you need to plan ahead and ensure your licence is fit for purpose.

Examples of Seasonal Events to Plan For

Spring Bank Holidays – Outdoor beer gardens, live music afternoons, street food festivals.
Summer Sports Events – Late-night screenings, BBQ evenings, themed fan zones.
Halloween Parties – Costume contests, spooky cocktail nights, late-night dancing.
Christmas and New Year – Festive brunches, Christmas markets, NYE countdown parties.

By being proactive, you can:

Host events that draw bigger crowds.
Offer extended trading hours when demand is highest.
Maximise revenue during seasonal peaks.
Outshine competitors who haven’t planned ahead.

Let Innpacked Handle the Hassle

We get it — licensing law can feel complicated, confusing, and time-consuming. But that’s where we come in. Our experienced licensing consultants will:

Review your current premises licence.
Advise you on the best licensing options for your business.

Prepare and submit all necessary paperwork.
Liaise with the local council on your behalf.
Ensure you stay compliant while maximising your trading potential.

Whether you need a quick TEN for an Easter celebration or a permanent variation to future-proof your venue, Innpacked has your back.

Don’t Leave It Too Late — Act Now!

Licensing applications take time, so it pays to get ahead of the game. By planning now, you can secure the trading hours you need well before your next big event — no last-minute panic required.

👉 Ready to future-proof your licence and make the most of every celebration?
Contact Innpacked today — we’ll make sure your business is licensed for success.