Key facts
- Pubs in England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 5 AM for England's World Cup match against Mexico.
- The decision was announced by Keir Starmer and will be enacted using legislative power for occasions of exceptional significance.
- Police leaders have criticized the move, arguing it will strain police resources and potentially lead to an increase in alcohol-related incidents.
- Over 1,000 pubs from Greene King and Marston's are expected to stay open for the match.
- The hospitality sector has welcomed the decision, seeing it as a positive development for businesses.
Police leaders have voiced criticism over the government's decision to permit pubs across England and Wales to remain open until 5 AM for England's World Cup match against Mexico. The late announcement, made on Thursday, means police forces must adapt their plans, potentially leading to officers working extended hours and being drawn away from their communities.
Mark Roberts and Scott Green, leading football policing and alcohol licensing for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, highlighted that while they acknowledge public interest, previous tournaments have shown a correlation between late-night alcohol consumption and an increase in violent incidents and domestic abuse. They expressed concern that the decision, made despite England's likely progression being predictable, forces policing to adjust plans at short notice.
Keir Starmer announced the extension, stating it was good news for supporters and for pubs that bring communities together. The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, will utilize powers to extend licensing hours for occasions of exceptional significance, with the communities secretary, Steve Reed, informing local authorities.
Existing rules allowed pubs to stay open until 1 AM for matches kicking off between 5 PM and 9 PM, and until 2 AM for later kick-offs, provided a five-day advance notice was given. The hospitality sector, through Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, welcomed the move, viewing it as a positive response to public support and a recognition of the challenges faced by pubs and licensed premises.