World Cup: Police criticize timing of decision on pubs open for England match

Police have criticized the government’s decision to keep pubs open until 05:00 BST on Monday for England’s World Cup match against Mexico.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said on Thursday that the “late notification” would require forces to take officers from other duties and work extended shifts.

He pointed out that the government’s decision was made public on Thursday, although the football team’s path through the competition has been “known for a long time”.

Police are asking fans to think and drink while watching the game – a crucial last 16 game where the losing team will be eliminated.

In a joint statement, NPCC football and alcohol police chiefs said: “We are also aware of the tragic increase in violence, particularly in the night-time economy, and domestic violence from previous tournaments.

“This is directly related to alcohol consumption,” he said.

We will continue to work with partners and venues to support a safe and fun night out for everyone.

Permit hours for the race have been extended and the government has said it will not relax the rules any further.

But late on Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said pubs could stay open until the end of the game, which doesn’t start until 01:00.

The game is not expected to end until at least 03:00 and may end after it goes to penalty kicks.

Pub chain Green King said more than 600 pubs in England would be staying late to show the game, while Marston said more than 400 pubs would be open.

Unions asked companies to accept flexible work requests from workers on Monday.

General secretary Paul Nowak said the TUC was asking employers to “show some common sense and understanding” by allowing staff to work from home or come in later.

England coach Thomas Tuchel said. Parents should make their children stay late for the game.

“There are a lot of lessons to be learned but the World Cup is every four years. They will be watching,” he said after England’s Round of 32 win over Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday.

Daniel Kebede, the head of the National Education Union (AEU), told BBC Breakfast that he wanted to see a “slightly flexible start” for schools on Monday morning.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson previously told the BBC she would not tell parents when to send their children to bed, but asked them to make sure they were in school on Monday.