Police leaders have criticised Downing Street’s decision to let pubs stay open until 5am on Monday for England’s World Cup match against Mexico, saying it will take officers “away from communities”.
Mark Roberts, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for football policing, and Scott Green, the organisation’s lead for alcohol licensing, said the “late announcement” meant forces would have to adapt plans and would leave officers working extended hours.
Greene King said more than 600 of its pubs across England would be staying open to show the match and Marston’s said more than 400 of its venues would be open until late.
In a joint statement, the police chiefs said: “We recognise there will be significant public interest in England’s match on Monday morning and that many of the public will want to come together in pubs and licensed venues to enjoy the occasion. We also know from previous tournaments the knockout games sadly see an increase in violent incidents particularly in the night-time economy and an increase in domestic abuse. This is directly linked to alcohol consumption.
“The likely route for England progression has been known for a considerable time yet this late announcement leaves policing having to adapt our plans, seeing officers working extended shifts which in turn takes them away from communities.”
They continued: “From a policing perspective, our priority is to support people to enjoy the match safely and responsibly. We therefore ask those watching the game to be considerate – drink within sensible limits and behave in a way that keeps you, your friends, staff, officers and the wider public safe. We will continue to work with partners and venues to support a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone.”
Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that pubs across England and Wales would be able to stay open late for the match, which kicks off at 1am on Monday and is due to run until at least 3am.
The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, will use legislative power that allows the extension of alcohol licensing hours on occasions of “exceptional international, national or local significance”. The communities secretary, Steve Reed, is writing to council leaders informing them of the changes.
Starmer said: “Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to. Pubs staying open till the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together. The whole country will be backing the team. Come on England!”
Responding to the criticism from policing leaders, a spokesperson for Starmer said: “Obviously, England’s progression in the tournament was confirmed on Wednesday evening, and we announced plans as quickly as possible following this. More broadly, we have engaged with policing partners throughout preparations for the World Cup, and we are grateful for their flexibility and professionalism throughout.”
The government had already relaxed licensing rules to reflect the time difference with the US, Mexico and Canada. For matches kicking off between 5pm and 9pm, pubs can stay open until 1am. For kick-offs after 9pm, they can remain open until 2am. To stay open beyond those times, however, must apply for a temporary event notice at least five working days in advance.
Figures in the hospitality sector welcomed the news. Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “This is fantastic news and will be hugely welcomed by operators. The government has listened to the overwhelming public support for England and recognised the challenges facing pubs and licensed premises across the country.”
