The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has sharply criticised the timing of the Government's decision to allow pubs in England and Wales to stay open until 5am for England's World Cup round of 16 match against Mexico. The match kicks off at 1am on Monday, and more than 1,000 venues across the country plan to open late, including over 600 Greene King pubs and more than 400 Marston's pubs.
Police Chiefs Voice Concerns
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 plans at short notice, pulling officers away from their communities. They also appealed to England fans to drink “sensibly” and be considerate to others during the game.
The statement highlighted that previous tournaments have seen a spike in violent incidents in the night-time economy and an increase in domestic abuse, 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,” the statement said.
Government Response
A Downing Street spokeswoman defended the timing, stating: “On the timing, obviously England’s progression in the tournament was confirmed on Wednesday evening and we announced plans as quickly as possible following this. And more broadly, we have engaged with policing partners throughout preparations for the World Cup and we are grateful for their flexibility and professionalism throughout.”
Pubs Gear Up for Late-Night Opening
Sir Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that pubs across England and Wales would be allowed to stay open late for the match, a blanket extension that removes the need for individual pubs to apply. Greene King confirmed more than 600 of its pubs will open late, while Marston's said over 400 will do so. Fuller's reported 23 pubs planning to open as of Friday morning, and Stonegate Group said 610 Craft Union pubs, 182 managed sites, and hundreds of leased and tenanted pubs will open late.
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.”
Andrew Gallagher, brand and marketing director at Greene King, added: “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.”
Wetherspoons and Other Venues
In contrast, a spokesperson for Wetherspoons said only five of its 800 pubs will 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.
Economic Impact and Responsible Drinking
The British Beer and Pub Association estimates that up to one million extra pints will be sold on Monday. Chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “The timing of the match is unprecedented for the sector so, with more pubs opening, we expect there to be up to a million extra pints sold off the back of the game. Many will head to their local for this one-off occasion to enjoy the atmosphere, and it may be that, amongst the pints, we also see a lift in no and low beers, hot drinks, soft drinks and snacks sales. We’re encouraging everyone to enjoy the occasion responsibly, cheer on our fantastic Three Lions, and be part of a moment of huge national significance.”
England will face Mexico in the last 16 after defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 on Wednesday.
