Plymouth pubs will not ban World Cup shirts or flags
RUMOURS of a pub ban on football shirts and England flags during the World Cup have been dismissed by police.
City landlords said they feared strict rules were being prepared for the tournament, which begins next Friday, June 11.
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Thousands of people joined a Facebook protest group following advice from police in London suggesting pubs refuse to serve fans wearing replica shirts: but representatives of Devon and Cornwall Police met the Plymouth Pubwatch group yesterday to reassure city-centre licensees.
"The bottom line is that we're looking to the trade to manage its own premises," said licensing officer Jock McIndoe.
"We're looking at things all the time but it's down to each different premises to risk-assess each game."
Mr McIndoe confirmed there would be increased policing during high-risk games, such as England's group clashes on June 12, 18 and 23, but confirmed no 'masterplan' would be enforced on revellers bearing flags, shirts or other patriotic memorabilia.
Plymouth City Council has sent landlords its own guidelines on dealing with the month-long tournament.
They include providing plastic glasses wherever possible, quickly clearing away empties and forbidding 'irresponsible' drinks deals based on matches.
Pubwatch chairman Richard Smith said: "A few people were concerned, so it's good to get clarification. The World Cup is going to be great for Plymouth and the atmosphere in pubs will be electric; it's down to everyone to be responsible."
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by Dave, Devonport
Thursday, June 03 2010, 9:53AM
“"It was on Facebook so it must be true".
Facebook is being used by people to stir others up,either to cause trouble or laugh at all the mugs who fall for it.Any member can start a "cause",for example "Stop the plan to dump Sellafield's nuclear waste on Dartmoor".Total fiction but someone would fall for it and it might well snowball.Facebook right now has several groups floating around whose aim appears to be to crank up raial tension and get those who can't be bothered to check the facts steamed up.
I'd guess that any pub that doesn't usually allow football shirts might not during the world cup,others won't...as usual.The Facebook "campaign" that's getting people wound up claims that Police are telling pubs to ban England football shirts,no proof and no-one I've asked to back it up has been able to find any.
How about a campaign to stop buying England supporter's gear made in 3rd world sweatshops,often by child labour.If all the shirts e.t.c. were made in this country it would mean jobs and money for British business and workers.”
by From where I am, Here
Thursday, June 03 2010, 5:55AM
“H, who the hell are you to say we are stupid when this rumour,well it wasn't a rumour was it as it came from the metropolitan police.
This country is the shites,we are NOT allowed to do anything we used to because of the pink fluffy P C brigade
This is just a sign of things to come in the future, by the time the world cup comes to England ( should it do so ) THIS with the flags could be a true fact because we wouldn't want to upset visiting countries mark my words”
by Nigel, Plymouth
Thursday, June 03 2010, 12:01AM
“H, unfortunately he didn't say in his text message - I will try to ask him when I can.
@Chaz - Get on mate !
English and damned proud of it !”
by chaz, Plymouth
Wednesday, June 02 2010, 11:33PM
“http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/articles/2007/04/20/chaz_st_georges_day_feature.shtml”
by GOM, Plymouth
Wednesday, June 02 2010, 8:45PM
“I Love football and am very proud to be English, I have also fought for my country. However, I can't stand this moronic chavvy trend to have cheap flags attached to your car. Do the chavs that display them not realise everyone else is laughing at them?”