Police have criticised the timing of the government’s decision to let pubs stay open until 05:00 BST on Monday for England’s World Cup match against Mexico.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council said the “late announcement” meant officers would have to be taken away from other duties and work longer hours, even though the team’s likely route through the tournament “has been known for a considerable time”.
It asked fans to be “considerate” and “drink within sensible limits” while watching the crucial last-16 match in which the losing team will be eliminated.
The government has said a previous relaxing of licensing laws for the tournament had not covered the eventuality of England playing so late.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said that after England’s progression was confirmed on Wednesday evening, the government “announced plans as quickly as possible following this”.
The spokeswoman added: “And more broadly, we have engaged with policing partners throughout preparations for the World Cup and we are grateful for their flexibility and professionalism throughout.”
Kick-off for the knock-out game is not until 01:00 in the UK and the match is not expected to end until at least 03:00. It could finish even later if it goes to penalties.
Knock-out games in previous tournaments have led to an increase in violent incidents and domestic abuse, the policing body said.
“This is directly linked to alcohol consumption,” the NPCC’s football and alcohol policing leads said in a joint statement.
“We will continue to work with partners and venues to support a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone.”
Licensing hours had already been extended for the international football tournament and the government had initially said it would not relax the laws further.
But late on Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said pubs could remain open until the end of the game.
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed told broadcasters the previous measures “hadn’t covered the eventuality of England playing so late in the night”, adding it was “one of the fastest changes in the law that we’ve seen”.
England was not guaranteed to play in Monday’s match, only earning a place in the round of 16 after beating DR Congo 2-1 on Wednesday.
The hospitality sector welcomed the government’s 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, said it was “fantastic news” that would be “hugely welcomed by operators”.
Pub chain Greene King has said more than 600 pubs across England will be staying open late to show the match, while Marston’s has said more than 400 of its pubs will also be open.
Unions have called on firms to accept flexible working requests from employees 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 where possible.
The British Chambers of Commerce said businesses where this will be challenging include manufacturing production lines, frontline retail and hospitality.
Its director of policy Kate Shoesmith said for some jobs, such as those with shift work, it will not be possible to work flexibly.
“But we’re confident most employers will be thinking about how they can keep everyone onside,” she added.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has said parents should let their children stay up late for the match.
“There’s so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch,” he said after England’s victory in the round of 32 on Wednesday.
The head of the National Education Union (NEU) Daniel Kebede told BBC Breakfast he would also like to see “a bit of a flexible start” for schools on Monday morning.
Education Secretary Bridget Philipson earlier told the BBC that she would not tell parents when they should send their children to bed, but asked them to make sure they were in for school on Monday.
Motoring organisation the RAC said people who stay up for the match “shouldn’t drive until they’re fully rested and hydrated”.
The hot weather coming this weekend means dehydration is a higher risk than normal, especially when combined with alcohol.
