The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II will be held on Monday, while the government has declared a day of national mourning and most businesses will be closed.
However, Monday differs from most UK public holidays. Hospitality and retail outlets that usually stay open to take advantage of the surge in demand are closing their doors out of respect for the late monarch.
A slowdown in business activity could hurt the UK economy at a difficult time, while a two-day public holiday in June to mark the Queen's 70th year on the throne contributed to a 0.6% drop in economic output that month, according to Office for National Statistics.
Danny Hewson, an analyst at investment firm AJ Bell, told CNN Business that while it was difficult to gauge the economic impact, the UK is already heading for a recession, so any hit to productivity will have consequences.
An unusual event will be the fact that although most businesses are closed, the Vue cinema chain will be showing the monarch's funeral live. The broadcast will begin at 10am and last for three hours, covering the service at Westminster Abbey as well as part of the Queen's coffin procession.
Spectators will not have to pay for tickets and will be given a free bottle of water, but will not be able to buy popcorn or other food and drinks.
However, many of the country's pubs will be serving drinks while also broadcasting the funeral.
Greene King runs more than 2700 pubs in England, Wales and Scotland, making it the UK's largest chain. A spokesperson for the company told CNN Business that its locations will open on Monday for communities to come together to mourn and reflect together on the Queen's life.
London hotels are at one of their busiest times as people from across the country and overseas flock to the capital. Many are now fully booked, while room rates have tripled in some cases.
Travelodge, which has 78 hotels in London, said its staff were working overtime in preparation for the Queen's funeral.
"Our hotels in central London and Windsor are all fully booked and demand is growing for our hotels located near a train or tube station across Greater London," a spokesperson told CNN Business.
London Heathrow Airport is changing 15% of its flight schedule to reduce noise in central London while the funeral takes place, meaning there will be cancellations.
As for eating, citizens will find it difficult to order a pizza or a BigMac, as almost all McDonald's locations across the UK will be closed until 17pm on Monday.
"Most Pizza Hut restaurants and delivery stores will remain closed until 14:00 p.m. Monday after the funeral service has concluded," a company spokesperson confirmed to CNN Business.
Greggs, a popular bakery with more than 2,000 stores, said it would close its doors, while some of its franchise stores may remain open.
Britons should also shop as most supermarkets will be closed.
Tesco, the country's biggest supermarket chain, will close its biggest stores on the day. Smaller shops will open in the evening. Other major supermarket chains Sainsbury's, Aldi and Morrisons said they would also close.
(BalkanWeb)
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