World Cup: Police criticise timing of decision on pubs staying open for England match
Police criticized the timing of the government’s decision to allow pubs to remain open until 5am BST on Monday for England’s World Cup match against Mexico.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said Thursday’s “late announcement” meant forces would have to divert officers from other duties and work long shifts.
Although the football team’s likely route through the tournament “has been known for a significant period of time”, the government’s decision was announced on Thursday, it said.
Police are asking fans to “be considerate” and “drink within reasonable limits” while watching the game, a crucial last 16 game in which the losing team will be eliminated.
“We also know from previous tournaments that knockout matches have sadly seen an increase in violence and domestic abuse, particularly in the night economy,” NPCC football and alcohol police leaders said in a joint statement. he said.
“This is directly linked to alcohol consumption,” they added.
“We will continue to work with partners and venues to support a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone.”
Licensing hours for the tournament had already been extended and the government had initially said it would not relax the laws further.
But late on Thursday Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said pubs could remain open until the end of the match, which does not start until 1am.
The match is not expected to end until at least 03.00, and it may end late if penalties go to penalties.
Pub chain Greene King said more than 600 pubs across the UK would stay open late to show the match, while Marston’s said more than 400 pubs would be open.
Unions called on companies on Monday to accept flexible working requests from their employees.
General Secretary Paul Nowak said the TUC had asked employers to “show some common sense and understanding” by allowing staff to work from home or arrive as late as possible.
England coach Thomas Tuchel said parents should let their children be late for the match.
“There are so many schools to go to but the World Cup happens every four years. Let them watch it,” he said after England beat the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 32 on Wednesday.
National Education Union (NEU) President Daniel Kebede told BBC Breakfast that he wanted to see “somewhat flexible start” for schools on Monday morning.
Education Minister Bridget Philipson previously told the BBC she would not tell parents when they should send their children to bed, but wanted them to make sure they went to school on Monday.
