Pubs face more police pressure over World Cup
Fears that police will be taking a hardline approach with pubs showing the World Cup this summer have increased after it emerged two more towns face a crackdown.
Pubs in Ascot and Croydon planning on showing matches have both been warned by police they could face action if they do not comply with their plans.
In Ascot police have "recommended" that licensees do not screen the England against Algeria game on June 18 - as it clashes with the Royal Ascot race meeting.
During a Pubwatch meeting, police warned that 70,000 people would be passing through the town that day. And licensees that were still wanting to show the game were told not to advertise the fact.
A licensee, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Publican: "Ascot racecourse is being policed by a private security firm that day and all the police will be outside. They are worried about trouble."
However, Kyle Holland, manager at Bar One, in the town centre, said he had already decided not to show the group game. "We are normally at capacity anyway on a Friday," he said.
"It would be more trouble than anything else. But it's each to their own really."
A spokeswoman from Thames Valley Police confirmed that "general advice" was given at the Pubwatch meeting, as a "precautionary measure in preventing any crime and disorder."
But she added: "The decision to show any football game during the week of Royal Ascot is very much a matter for the designated premises supervisor in liaison with the police, unless there are specific reasons which warrant the police to take control of a situation."
Meanwhile, in Croydon, South London, police have sent letters to licensees urging them to think about operating dress codes on match days - which could include a ban on football shirts. They are also suggesting pubs ramp up door security and use polycarbonate glasses.
The moves in Croydon and Ascot follows similar action in Basingstoke, Hampshire, where pubs are being advised to beef up their security and switch to polycarbonates.
