West Midlands Police are threatening to take action against any pub that does not sign a draconian World Cup contract dictating that drinks must be served in plastic glasses and doorstaff must be on duty for all England games.
The set of 10 extra conditions has been slammed as a "bullying" tactic by one trade association and "nonsense" by a licensee.
But if pubs don't sign up to the contract, police have threatened to use all available powers to shut them down.
In a letter to licensees, seen by the Morning Advertiser, police said: "If, however, you choose to ignore such advice to the detriment of the four licensing objectives, then West Midlands Police will use all the powers it has under the Licensing Act and any other relevant legislation to take action against the licensed premises."
The conditions include:
• Polycarbonate glasses for all England games and all games from the quarter-finals onwards
• All bottles to be decanted into polycarbonate glasses
• Doorstaff must be provided 2 hours before the game until closing time
Sources told the Morning Advertiser that police are visiting pubs asking for the completed contracts back. If pubs don't agree to all of the conidtions they must clearly state why.
"This is complete and utter nonsense," slammed one licensee, who wished to remain anonymous. "Twice a year we have to deal with probably one of the most volatile local derby's in Blues v Villa, and we have yet to have a problem. Never have we used plastic glasses or had to employ door staff — it's what we do — run pubs well.
"They can't dictate to me how to run my business."
Don't sign
Morning Advertiser legal editor Peter Coulson advised licensees not to sign the contract. "Before you make any move, take legal advice. This is disgraceful and complete overkill.
"The police are in no position to impose conditions unless there is evidence that there has been or is likely to be disorder.
"As far as I am aware there was no disorder in the last World Cup."
British Beer and Pub Association director of communications Mark Hastings said: "It is extremely disappointing to see West Midlands police using what can only be described as bullying tactics against law-abiding, legitimate businesses.
"They seem intent on creating misery out of what should be a fantastic fun event that brings communities together across the nation."
Inspector David Rischmiller admitted the police did not have the power to enforce the conditions. "I would call them recommendations rather than conditions. We want to focus designated premises supervisor's minds on carrying out proper risk assessments.
"This is not just an opportunity to maximise business, there has to be a proper risk assessment process."