Overview
In the United States, at 2:00 AM on the second Sunday in March, we set our clocks forward one hour ahead of Standard Time and leave them that way until the first Sunday in November at 2:00 AM, when we turn them back. Supposedly, this allows us to use less energy in lighting our homes by taking advantage of the longer and later daylight hours during the summer.
Details
Daylight Saving Time was instituted by the United States during World War I in order to save energy for war production by taking advantage of the later hours of daylight between April and October. In 2007, Daylight Saving Time became 4 weeks longer due to the Energy Policy Act passed in 2005. For information on how other countries use / don’t use Daylight Saving, click here.
Trivia
- It is difficult to determine energy savings from Daylight Saving Time, and it is possible that little or no energy is actually saved.
- Benjamin Franklin was the first to conceive of the idea of daylight saving when he was a delegate in Paris in 1784.
- Most of Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time, as it is on Mountain Standard Time for the entire year.
Celebrating Suggestions
- Offer specials on late night snacks, or early morning coffee and breakfast – depending on your business.
- Remind your customers about Daylight Saving Time at check out, and on social media – they’ll appreciate the reminder!
- In the Spring, celebrate the longer days by offering your restaurant customers new happy hour specials, especially if you have outdoor seating.
- Organize early morning or after-work running clubs with your customers!
Check out our Marketing Holiday Calendar for more dates to celebrate!
