Police have criticised the timing of the government’s late decision to allow pubs to remain open until 05:00 BST on Monday for England’s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said the announcement came too late, forcing officers to be taken off other duties and work longer hours, despite the team’s likely tournament schedule being known for some time. The NPCC urged fans to be considerate and to drink within sensible limits.
The government said earlier licensing relaxations for the tournament had not envisaged England playing so late, and that plans were announced as quickly as possible after England’s progression was confirmed. A Downing Street spokeswoman said ministers had engaged with policing partners throughout World Cup preparations and thanked officers for their flexibility and professionalism.
Kick-off in the UK is scheduled for 01:00 BST, with the match expected to finish at least around 03:00 and possibly later if it goes to penalties. The NPCC noted that knock-out games in previous tournaments have been linked to rises in violent incidents and domestic abuse, which it said are directly connected to alcohol consumption. The policing body said it would work with partners and venues to support a safe evening for everyone.
Earlier in the tournament licensing hours had already been extended, and the government initially said it would not relax laws further. Late on Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed pubs could stay open until the end of the game. Local Government Secretary Steve Reed said the earlier measures had not covered the possibility of England playing so late and described the change as one of the fastest legal adjustments seen.
The hospitality sector welcomed the decision. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said the local pub is the best place to watch the match. Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, called the move “fantastic news” for operators. Greene King said more than 600 of its pubs across England will stay open late to show the game, and Marston’s said over 400 of its pubs will do likewise. Priyesh Bathia, who runs the Elephant and Barrel in Stockwell, south London, said he was grateful for the late licensing and had taken 100–150 bookings so far.
Not all operators will open. Miranda Richardson, landlady of The Squirrels in Duston, Northamptonshire, has chosen not to open, citing the impact of late-night crowds on her residential village, staffing difficulties, extra pay rates for unsociable hours, and the cost of door staff. She said most of her customers plan to watch at home.
Unions warned that the benefits to businesses must not come at the expense of workers. Jo Watling, general secretary of the UK Hospitality Union, said short-notice requests to work late can feel far from optional and may pressure staff, affect future shifts, and leave little time to arrange childcare, transport or other caring responsibilities. She added the late opening also increases the likelihood staff will have to manage intoxicated, frustrated or aggressive customers and urged proper safeguards, fair notice and genuine choice for workers.
Wetherspoons confirmed only five of its more than 800 pubs will open for the game — one in central London, one in Birmingham and three in the northeast. Unions have asked employers to accept flexible working requests for Monday. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak appealed to firms to show common sense by allowing staff to work from home or come in later where possible. The British Chambers of Commerce said some workplaces such as manufacturing, frontline retail and parts of hospitality will find flexibility difficult, but said it expects most employers will consider how to accommodate staff.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel encouraged parents to let children stay up for the World Cup match, saying the tournament only comes around every four years. The head of the National Education Union, Daniel Kebede, said he would like to see a flexible start for schools on Monday. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said she would not tell parents when to put children to bed but asked that pupils still attend school on Monday.
The RAC warned anyone staying up for the match not to drive until they are fully rested and hydrated. Forecasters have warned of hot weather over the weekend, which increases the risk of dehydration — a particular concern when combined with alcohol.
