Police criticise timing of decision on pubs staying open for England match
Police have expressed concerns regarding the timing of the government’s decision to permit pubs to remain open until 05:00 BST on Monday for England‘s World Cup match against Mexico. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) stated that the “late announcement” on Thursday means police forces will need to reallocate officers from other duties and implement extended shifts.
The NPCC highlighted that the government’s decision was made public on Thursday, despite the team’s potential path through the tournament having been known for a considerable period. The match, a crucial last-16 fixture, will result in the losing team’s elimination. Kick-off is scheduled for 01:00 UK time and the game is not expected to conclude until at least 03:00, potentially later if it proceeds to penalties.
Concerns over public safety and alcohol consumption
Police are urging fans to be “considerate” and to “drink within sensible limits” while watching the game. The NPCC’s football and alcohol policing leads issued a joint statement, noting that previous tournaments’ knockout games have shown an increase in violent incidents, particularly within the night-time economy, and a rise in domestic abuse. They directly linked these issues to alcohol consumption.
The statement affirmed that police will continue to collaborate with partners and venues to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone. The government had previously extended licensing hours for the tournament but initially indicated no further relaxation of the laws.
However, late on Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that pubs could remain open until the end of the match. This reversal followed an earlier statement on Thursday morning from business minister Kate Dearden, who had said the government would not relax rules further for pubs that had not applied for extensions in time.
The decision to allow extended hours was welcomed by the hospitality sector. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, expressed delight, stating that pubs and fans would be “over the moon” as the local pub is considered the best place to watch the match. Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), also described the news as “fantastic” and a significant positive for operators.
Several pub chains have confirmed they will be staying open. Greene King has indicated that more than 600 of its pubs across England will be open late to screen the match, while Marston’s stated that over 400 of its pubs would also be open.
Impact on employees and schools
Unions have called for companies to accommodate flexible working requests from employees on Monday. Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the TUC, urged employers to “show some common sense and understanding” by allowing staff to work from home or to start later where feasible.
England coach Thomas Tuchel has encouraged parents to let their children stay up for the match, remarking that the World Cup occurs every four years. Daniel Kebede, head of the National Education Union (NEU), also suggested a “flexible start” for schools on Monday morning. However, Education Secretary Bridget Philipson stated she would not advise parents on bedtime, but asked them to ensure children attended school on Monday.
The Home Secretary will utilise legislative power to extend alcohol licensing hours for occasions of “exceptional international, national or local significance.” Steve Reed, the Communities Secretary, is informing council leaders about these changes. The match is scheduled to kick off at 01:00 UK time.
The original extensions to opening hours followed a six-week public consultation that began in December. Typically, individual pubs must apply to their local council for extended opening hours, with a minimum of five working days’ notice.
Jason Cleary, who manages The Hodcarrier pub in Leamington Spa, mentioned that his application for extended hours for the potential fixture was rejected due to not providing the required five working days’ notice. Warwick district council had stated it was legally unable to consider temporary event notices submitted outside the statutory notice period.
Stella Creasy, the Labour (Co-op) MP for Walthamstow, also highlighted the difficulties faced by pubs in her constituency, emphasizing the importance of independent breweries to local communities. She urged councils and ministers to find a solution to support these businesses in providing a positive fan experience.
The RAC, a motoring organisation, has cautioned that individuals who stay up late should not drive until they are fully rested and hydrated, potentially meaning not driving until “much later in the day.” They warned that tiredness, dehydration, and alcohol can be a dangerous combination behind the wheel.
The CIPD, which represents HR professionals, advised employers to establish “clear expectations” for the work day on Monday. David D’Souza, the organisation’s director of profession, noted that employers are not obligated to make special arrangements for World Cup matches, and employees should not assume such arrangements will be automatically available.
The government is passing emergency legislation through parliament on Friday to facilitate these changes, according to Local Government Secretary Steve Reed, ensuring that fans can attend pubs to support England.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Reuben Castle is the Sports News Writer at News GB, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from print into digital sport news. He holds a degree in Journalism from Coventry University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Coventry, he follows the Open Championship and amateur boxing. “Accuracy first; the analysis can follow.”
