Police leaders criticise a Downing Street decision to allow pubs to stay open until 5am on Monday for England’s World Cup match against Mexico. The National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for football policing, Mark Roberts, and the organisation’s lead for alcohol licensing, Scott Green, say the measure is announced late and forces police forces to change plans at short notice. They argue it would require officers to work extended hours and would take staff away from neighbourhoods.
Other reporting indicates Downing Street defends the decision, with references to wider UK politics coverage, including questioning how such flexibility is applied elsewhere. The criticism also includes concern that altered late-night drinking arrangements could contribute to a surge in violent incidents, reflecting worries about managing public order around match-related crowds.
Overall, the reports focus on the timing and operational impact of the late opening policy on policing and alcohol licensing, while noting that the government side argues in favour of allowing longer pub opening hours for the match.
