Pubs expect increase in World Cup licence reviews

The pub sector can expect an increase in licence reviews during the World Cup as the police and local councils step up activity.

Clare Eames, a partner at licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen, said that police forces across the country were already calling for licence variations — including the use of polycarbonate glasses when matches are played and a ban on people using outside areas.

She said: "Throngs of people are going to want to watch England play down their local pubs and bars. But operators need to be aware that there are very pro-active police forces and local authorities up and down the country who will use this to their advantage."

Last week it was revealed that police and a local authority in Leicestershire had applied for an order preventing people from drinking on the street during this summer's World Cup.

Harborough District Council wants the police to be able to confiscate alcohol in a bid to discourage anti-social and rowdy behaviour. It follows trouble during the 2006 World Cup, which resulted in a number of people being banned from town pubs.

Greater Manchester police has also issued an appeal for fans to drink responsibly.