The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has strongly criticised the timing of the Government's decision to allow pubs in England and Wales to stay open until 5am for England's round of 16 World Cup match against Mexico. More than 1,000 venues are expected to remain open late for the game, which kicks off at 1am on Monday.
Policing Concerns Over Late Announcement
In a joint statement, Chief Constable Mark Roberts, NPCC lead for football policing, and Acting Chief Constable Scott Green, NPCC lead for alcohol licensing and harm reduction, said the “late announcement” forced police forces to adapt their plans and take officers away from communities. They urged England fans to drink “sensibly” and behave considerately.
“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,” the statement read. “We also know from previous tournaments the knock-out 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 chiefs added: “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.”
Government Decision and Industry Response
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that pubs across England and Wales could stay open late for the match without needing individual applications for extended hours. The blanket extension supersedes the previous 2am limit applied to earlier England matches.
Greene King said more than 600 of its pubs would stay open late, while Marston’s reported over 400 venues would do so. A spokesperson for Fuller’s said 23 of its pubs were planning to open late as of Friday morning. However, Wetherspoons confirmed that only five of its 800 pubs would be open for the match: Bishops Mill in Durham, Cooper Rose in Sunderland, William Rufus in Carlisle, Penderel’s Oak in Holborn, and Solomon Cutler in Birmingham.
Calls for Responsible Drinking
Jared Sedgwick, director of operations at Marston’s, said: “More than 400 of our pubs were already set to open late for England v Mexico on Sunday night – and the Government’s decision to ease licensing restrictions means that number is only going one way. When England are playing, a 1am kick-off is no barrier, and we’ll make sure fans have somewhere great to watch it together in the kind of big match atmosphere that’s hard to replicate at home.” He added that spaces were filling up fast and encouraged fans to book ahead.
Andrew Gallagher, brand and marketing director at Greene King, said: “We’re delighted to have been granted permission to stay open late as England progress through the tournament. There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere in our pubs and it gives fans the chance to come together, soak up the occasion and hopefully celebrate. We know this will be a popular match, so urge guests to secure their spot as soon as possible.”
The NPCC statement concluded: “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.”
England advanced to the last 16 after defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 on Wednesday.
