Town centre publicans have battened down the hatches on the eve of the FIFA World Cup finals.
Thousands of extra drinkers are expected to flood into the borough’s watering holes when the tournament kicks off. From banning football shirts to employing extra doormen, pubs and bars across the town are preparing for a busy and – hopefully – trouble free month.
And landlords told the Observer they have prepared for all outcomes as the action unfolds in South Africa. Chris Reich, general manager for Lloyds Number 1 Bar and chairman of the Basingstoke Pub Watch, said: “There are preparations to be made, obviously. We have a working Pub Watch to keep an eye on any trouble makers and make sure if they have caused trouble in any other bar they wont be let into ours.”
Steve Wilson, manager of The Wheatsheaf, admitted police have handed out advice to publicans. “We are not going to have any special promotions or drink deals because that might incite binge drinking. We never have people on the door and we are not going to start now, as that might create a threatening atmosphere. I don’t agree with fighting and wont put up with it here – people want to enjoy the World Cup in a good way.”
NHS chiefs in the county have also urged residents to think carefully ahead of the football festival with Accident and Emergency departments braced for an influx of casualties. Cllr Felicity Hindson, from the county council, said: “The World Cup is a time to relax and enjoy watching the football, it doesn’t need to lead to drinking at levels that will harm your health or lead to an increased risk of domestic violence.”
Meanwhile Hampshire police have upped their patrols at nearby Southampton airport to prevent troublesome fans from flying to South Africa.
Using powers available under the Football Spectators Act, officers can prevent people from travelling who they reasonably suspect of going with a likelihood or intention of being involved in football related violence.”
Superintendent Rick Burrows commented: “The World Cup is a fantastic event which galvanizes the community and is a real celebration for fans across the world. We are not aiming to be kill-joys, our simple aim is to stop people who we know are trouble makers from travelling to the games and spoiling the tournament for others.
“There is a very small minority of people who take part in football related violence and disorder, causing a risk to the safety of the vast majority of law abiding football supporters.” For more information visit www.hampshire.nhs.uk/rethinkyourdrink
