Pubs in the UK were allowed to stay open until 05:00 BST on Monday for Mexico vs England, after Sir Keir Starmer said they could remain open until the end of the game. The change covers England's World Cup match against Mexico, a last-16 knockout tie that could run deep into the night.
The match was scheduled to kick off at 01:00 BST, with one suggestion to move it to 19:00 BST on Sunday. It was not expected to finish until at least 03:00, and penalties would have pushed it later still.
National Police Chiefs and 05:00 BST
The National Police Chiefs' Council criticised the timing of the government's decision. It said the late announcement meant officers would have to be taken away from other duties and work longer hours, and it also urged fans to drink within sensible limits.
That complaint landed after a quick policy turn. The government said the previous relaxing of licensing laws for the tournament had not covered the eventuality of England playing so late, and Steve Reed said those measures had not covered the eventuality of England playing so late in the night.
Emma McClarkin and pub trade
Emma McClarkin welcomed the decision and said, "We all know the best place to watch the match is down the local." Her comments put the pub trade squarely inside the story, not as a side note but as the setting now open for the full match window.
England reached the round of 16 after beating DR Congo 2-1 on Wednesday, and the timing of the new licensing window followed that progression on Wednesday evening. Late on Thursday, Starmer moved to the extension after the government initially said it would not relax licensing laws further, while Fifa was considering whether the kick-off itself should change.
For supporters, the immediate question is simple: the current plan lets pubs stay open through the end of Mexico vs England, even if the game runs beyond 03:00. For police, the burden is just as direct, with longer shifts and fewer officers available for other work once the crowd gathers for a late knockout match.
