British police are criticizing the government's decision to allow pubs to stay open until 5 a.m. on Monday for England's World Cup round-of-16 match against Mexico, saying the announcement came too late for departments to prepare.
The National Police Chiefs' Council said the late announcement meant officers would have to be pulled from other duties and work longer hours, even though England's likely path through the tournament had been known for some time, according to the BBC. The match kicks off at 1 a.m. in the UK and is not expected to end until at least 3 a.m. If the game goes to penalties, it could run even later.
"This is directly linked to alcohol consumption," the NPCC's football and alcohol policing leads said in a joint statement, referring to a pattern in which knockout tournament matches have led to increases in violent incidents and domestic abuse. "We will continue to work with partners and venues to support a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone."
The government initially said it would not relax licensing laws beyond what had already been extended for the tournament. But late Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reversed that position, saying pubs could remain open until the end of the game. A Downing Street spokeswoman said the government "announced plans as quickly as possible" after England secured its spot in the round of 16 by beating DR Congo 2-1 on Wednesday evening. The spokeswoman added that the government had "engaged with policing partners throughout preparations for the World Cup" and was "grateful for their flexibility and professionalism throughout."
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed told broadcasters the previous measures "hadn't covered the eventuality of England playing so late in the night," calling it "one of the fastest changes in the law that we've seen."
The hospitality sector welcomed the extension. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: "We all know the best place to watch the match is down the local." Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, called it "fantastic news" that would be "hugely welcomed by operators." Pub chain Greene King said more than 600 of its pubs across England would stay open late, while Marston's said more than 400 of its pubs would also remain open. Priyesh Bathia, who runs the Elephant and Barrel pub in Stockwell, south London, said he is "so thankful" for the late licensing.
Meanwhile, employers across England are working out how to handle the workday that follows. Joshua Elash, who runs London-based MT Finance Group, announced his 125 staff would not need to be in the office until 11 a.m. Monday, two hours later than usual. "It wasn't a dilemma at all. This was as close to a no-brainer as a business can get," he said. Elash noted the company has no work-from-home policy, making the later start a notable exception. "Some things are more important than, you know, a day's revenue," he added.
The TUC, the umbrella body for trade unions, urged bosses to use common sense and allow flexible working where possible, including later starts, remote work, or shift swaps. Conciliation service Acas advised that employers treat requests fairly, noting that Mexico fans in the workforce deserve the same consideration as England supporters.
Supermarkets Sainsbury's and Aldi indicated it would be business as usual for their operations. The British Chambers of Commerce said manufacturing production lines, frontline retail, and hospitality would have the hardest time offering flexibility.
