Police want World Cup 'cool down' periods
Police are asking Colchester licensees to suspend drink sales for a period during World Cup games to let punters "cool down".
An email from police to licensees says: "We would suggest bars consider suspending sales early, for example, just as the second half of any game starts, to allow a degree of 'cooling down' and to avoid a sudden rush to get out onto the street having just consumed their last drink."
It is one of a list of suggestions for pubs, to avoid trouble during the tournament.
But one Colchester licensee, who declined to be named, criticised the idea.
"If you turn to fans at the start of the second half and say you're not getting any service, who knows what will happen," the host said.
"I want to protect my staff. I won't be doing it."
It will be discussed at a pubwatch meeting this week.
Other suggestions from police include considering using polycarbonate glassware, banning troublemakers as soon as it's practical, and carrying out risk assessments to ensure doorstaff can cope with crowds.
The police email also warned: "We will use powers within the 2003 Licensing Act to deal with problem premises. If necessary we will use the powers under Section 161 and issue closure orders. Officers will be conducting proactive visits during the matches."
Clare Eames, of solicitors Poppleston Allen, predicted an increase in licence reviews as police and councils step up activity around the World Cup. She said: "People are going to want to watch England play down their local. But operators need to be aware that there are very proactive police forces and local authorities up and down the country who will use this to their advantage."
How licensees are tempting in World Cup punters
Licensees have revealed innovative ways to attract punters during the tournament.
Customers at the Old Colonial in Mirfield, West Yorks, receive "passports" for entry. The document is stamped when they watch an England game and a free pint is offered when it's full.
Food from participating countries will be served — including chocolate locusts, in homage to hosts South Africa.
Beers from the participating nations will be available at Benson Blakes Bar and Grill in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Some "poetic licence" has been employed, however; for example, Sol is the beer for South Korea because it shares its name with the country's capital.
The venue is offering an upmarket football package in its function room, which includes canapes, a meal, unlimited soft drinks, a bucket of world beers and full table service for £25 per match, or a "season ticket" for £60.
Meanwhile, the bar at Holiday Inn at Winchester is making sure punters don't miss a kick — by fitting mini TV screens on the beer fonts.
• What are you up to for the World Cup? Let us know by emailing Ewan.Turney@william-reed.co.uk.
