Downing Street Defends 5 AM Pub Opening for England-Mexico Match After Police Criticism
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 3
Downing Street Defends 5 AM Pub Opening for England-Mexico Match After Police Criticism
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 3
Summary
Downing Street said it moved "as quickly as possible" to approve 5 a.m. pub openings on Monday after England's World Cup progression was confirmed on Wednesday evening.
The defense came after police chiefs attacked the timing of Thursday's announcement, saying the late notice forces forces to reallocate officers and extend shifts for the 1 a.m. BST match against Mexico.
The government said it had engaged policing partners throughout World Cup preparations and thanked them for their flexibility and professionalism.
Keir Starmer's emergency move lets pubs and bars in England and Wales trade past normal 11 p.m. licensing limits, a step welcomed by pub groups but criticized by police over alcohol-linked violence and domestic abuse risks.