Keir Starmer was today accused of making his U-turn on opening pubs for England's World Cup game against Mexico too late after he bowed to popular opinion.
The National Police Chiefs' Council criticised the timing of the Prime Minister's move to let pubs stay open until 5am on Monday for the match, kicking off at 1am UK time.
His late announcement means forces are now having to adapt plans and take officers away from community policing, with more than 1,000 venues staying open late.
MPs had called for leeway beyond the 2am extended pub opening hours already in place for England matches during the tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico.
The blanket extension announced yesterday means individual pubs do not need to apply for extended hours - but some owners have said issues with arranging staffing and being located in residential areas will mean they will remain closed anyway.
