The decision to allow pubs in England to stay open until 5:00 AM BST on Monday for the England football match has sparked criticism from police. Fans were initially elated upon hearing the news, but the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) pointed out that the announcement was made too late. This decision came on Thursday, despite the football team’s potential route through the tournament being well known for some time now. The late timing has police worried about the consequences for public safety during the late-night festivities.
The NPCC emphasized the need for fans to be “considerate” and to “drink within sensible limits,” especially given past tournaments where knockout games have led to a spike in violent incidents. These incidents typically occur during the night, particularly in areas with active nightlife, and they often coincide with increased cases of domestic abuse. The council directly linked these unfortunate events to alcohol consumption, underlining the need for caution.
Licensing hours had already been extended for the tournament, and initially, the government indicated that no further relaxation of the laws would occur. However, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer later declared that pubs could remain open until the end of the match, which kicks off at 1:00 AM. Given that matches can extend well beyond their scheduled end time, especially if penalties are involved, the NPCC is concerned about the potential for chaos in the early morning hours. Over 600 pubs across England, including those under the Greene King chain, are set to keep their doors open late to show the match, which has raised eyebrows among local authorities.
In a related note, there’s been some discussion about the impact of the late match on schools the following day. Education Secretary Bridget Philipson stated that she wouldn’t dictate to parents when their children should go to bed but urged them to ensure their kids are ready for school on Monday morning. Meanwhile, Tuchel, a noted figure, has been advocating for young England fans to stay up for the match. But, should they really be encouraged to do so? It’s a question many are pondering as the match time approaches.
As the excitement builds, the police are urging everyone to show “some common sense and understanding.” It’s a delicate balance between enjoying a national sporting event and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. Will the fans heed the warnings, or will the night end in regret? Only time will tell.
Kaynak: Orijinal Haber