PUBS are looking forward to the tills ringing and profits rising, thanks to extended hours for the Queen’s jubilee.

Opening hours for pubs and bars will be extended across England and Wales over the four-day bank holiday to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

The extension will cover Thursday, June 2 to Saturday, June 4, with standard closing times extended from 11pm to 1am.

South Essex pub bosses hope to see great takings thanks to the longer hours.

Elaine Gloyne, 65, owner of The Broker Freehouse, Leigh Road, Leigh, said: “I think it will be lovely for everyone and there will be no need for customers to rush when having a few drinks.

“It will be a wonderful celebration and good for business as well. We’ve missed out on so much over the last few years and it’s been so tough for so many of us.

“Hopefully it’s nice and busy with lots of cheer and celebrations over the weekend. I am a huge Royalist and love the Queen.

“We are working on a few plans and will be celebrating British beer and gin.”

She added that lots of people will want to enjoy the extra long bank holiday at the pubs and celebrate the occasion.

A national festival will celebrate the anniversary as the longest-reigning British monarch reaches an unprecedented platinum anniversary.

The Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday, June 5, will see streets all over the UK filled with bunting, massive cut-outs of the Queen and lots of cake.

Andrew Ferguson, owner of Mile and a Third in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, said he hopes to take advantage of the extra hours.

The 52-year-old said: “I think it’s a great idea and it will definitely benefit so many businesses and pubs.

“It’s going to mean such a lot to lots of businesses and pubs. The industry has suffered so much over the last few years.

“It’s nice to see the Government trying to help us and others out like this.

“I hope we can take full advantage of the longer opening hours.

“We may have some travel issues with getting home as the trains won’t run that late but we will see what happens.”

He said they are hoping to be open much longer like other businesses and feels lots of customers will want to go for a few more drinks and stay out later.

Pub-goers are just as excited at the chance to raise another glass or pint to the Queen.

Christine Tilley, 51, from Basildon, said: “I am so pleased and am sure we will make a few trips to the pub over the weekend.

“It’s just what everyone needs after a really tough few years with the pandemic. I hope the pubs can get back some of the taking they have lost, and everyone has a really good time.”