The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has condemned the government's decision to permit pubs to remain open until 5am on Monday for England's World Cup last-16 match against Mexico, warning of increased violence and domestic abuse risks linked to alcohol consumption.
Late Announcement Sparks Policing Concerns
The announcement, made less than four days before the 1am kick-off on July 6, has forced police forces across England to hastily adapt their plans. Cheshire Police chief constable Mark Roberts, NPCC lead for football policing, and West Midlands Police acting chief constable Scott Green, NPCC lead for alcohol licensing and harm reduction, issued a joint statement criticising the timing.
“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 said. “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.”
Impact on Police Resources
The chiefs highlighted that the late decision means officers must work extended shifts, diverting them from community duties. “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 added.
Former Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner Andy Trotter echoed these concerns, telling BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the “late change” will require last-minute shift alterations. “My anxiety is with the late change the police are now going to have to gear up across the country on a night normally when into the early hours it’d be a bit quieter than usual,” Trotter said. “Now they have to change shifts, get more officers out.”
Call for Responsible Drinking
The NPCC urged fans to drink sensibly and behave considerately. “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,” the statement read.
Trotter also warned of potential clashes between late-night revellers and early-morning commuters. “There could well be issues as people come out at 4 or 5 in the morning, bumping into the morning bleary-eyed commuters. So the police have got to be ready for this, but my anxiety is the late notice for police forces means a lot of late shift changes, which is the unfortunate,” he said.
