Police criticise decision to allow pubs to stay open until 5am for England match

Pubs across England and Wales will be able to stay open late for England’s World Cup match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am on Monday. Photograph: Scott Heppell/AFP/Getty Images View image in fullscreen Pubs across England and Wales will be able to stay open late for England’s World Cup match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am on Monday. Photograph: Scott Heppell/AFP/Getty Images Police criticise decision to let pubs stay open until 5am for England match ‘Late announcement’ means forces will have to adapt plans and move officers ‘away from communities’, say chiefs UK politics live – latest updates Police leaders have criticised Downing Street’s decision to let pubs stay open until 5am on Monday for England’s World Cup match against Mexico, saying it will take officers “away from communities”. Mark Roberts, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for football policing, and Scott Green, the organisation’s lead for alcohol licensing, said the “late announcement” meant forces would have to adapt plans and would leave officers working extended hours. Greene King said more than 600 of its pubs across England would be staying open to show the match and Marston’s said more than 400 of its venues would be open until late. Starmer vetoes Tuchel’s call to bunk off school after England’s 1am Mexico game Read more In a joint statement, the police chiefs said: “We recognise there will be significant public interest in England’s match on Monday morning and that many of the public will want to come together in pubs and licensed venues to enjoy the occasion. We also know from previous tournaments the knockout games sadly see an increase in violent incidents particularly in the night-time economy and an increase in domestic abuse. This is 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.” They continued: “From a policing perspective, our priority is to support people to enjoy the match safely and responsibly. We therefore ask those watching the game to be considerate – drink within sensible limits and behave in a way that keeps you, your friends, staff, officers and the wider public safe. We will continue to work with partners and venues to support a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone.” Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that pubs across England and Wales would be able to stay open late for the match, which kicks off at 1am on Monday and is due to run until at least 3am. The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, will use legislative power that allows the extension of alcohol licensing hours on occasions of “exceptional international, national or local significance”. The communities secretary, Steve Reed, is writing to council leaders informing them of the changes. Starmer said: “Football might be coming home but we’re making sur