Police criticise late pub hours change for England match

Pubs across England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 5 a.m. Monday for England’s World Cup knockout match against Mexico, after the government rushed through an emergency licensing change that police chiefs said came too late for proper planning.

The last-16 game kicks off at 1 a.m. in the United Kingdom, with the loser eliminated. It is expected to run until at least 3 a.m. and could stretch past 4 a.m. if extra time and penalties are needed. Standard licensing rules usually require venues to stop serving alcohol at 11 p.m.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the change Thursday after publicans raised concerns that fans would not be able to watch the match at local pubs. The government had already relaxed licensing rules for the tournament, allowing pubs to stay open as late as 2 a.m. for England and Scotland matches, but officials said those measures did not cover the possibility of England playing so late overnight.

“Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to,” Starmer said. “Pubs staying open till the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together.”

Local Government Secretary Steve Reed said the earlier rules “hadn’t covered the eventuality of England playing so late in the night,” calling the move “one of the fastest changes in the law that we’ve seen.” A Downing Street spokeswoman said the government acted “as quickly as possible” after England secured its place by beating DR Congo 2-1 on Wednesday.

The hospitality industry welcomed the decision. 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” and said it would be “hugely welcomed by operators.” Greene King said more than 600 of its pubs in England would stay open late, while Marston’s said more than 400 of its pubs would do the same.

Police leaders criticised the timing. The National Police Chiefs’ Council said the “late announcement” would require officers to work extended shifts and be pulled from other duties, even though England’s likely route through the tournament “has been known for a considerable time.”

The council also warned that knockout matches in previous tournaments have brought increases in violent incidents, especially in night-time venues, and in domestic abuse. “This is directly linked to alcohol consumption,” the NPCC’s football and alcohol policing leads said, while asking fans to be “considerate” and “drink within sensible limits.”

The Downing Street spokeswoman said officials had engaged with policing partners during World Cup preparations and were “grateful for their flexibility and professionalism throughout.”

The late match has also raised questions for workplaces and schools. The Trades Union Congress urged employers to allow flexible arrangements where possible, with General Secretary Paul Nowak asking firms to “show some common sense and understanding.” The British Chambers of Commerce said flexibility would be harder for roles on manufacturing production lines and in frontline retail and hospitality.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel said after Wednesday’s win that parents should let children stay up, saying, “There’s so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch.” Education Secretary Bridget Philipson said she would not tell parents when children should go to bed but asked that they attend school Monday. A Starmer spokesperson also said: “We want everyone to enjoy the game but children should be at school on Monday.”

The RAC warned that people who stay up to watch should not drive until fully rested and hydrated, saying hot weather expected this weekend increases the risk of dehydration, especially when alcohol is involved.