by Tricia Jamieson
tjamieson@thekmgroup.co.uk
With the start of the World Cup now just a week away police expect emotions to run high during the tournament but warn that anti-social behaviour and drunkeness will not be tolerated.
They will not be targetting pubs and clubs across the South Kent area and say it will be business as usual.
Sgt Dave Gilbert, from the area’s task and co-ordination unit, said: “We are working with licensees to ensure their co-operation.
“It is about making sure we have police officers who are visible but we do not intend to target licensed premises.
“We want people to enjoy their time at the pub without the police watching what they are doing.
“We know there is a drinking culture around football but we do not want to micro-manage it.
“But we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and drunkenness in the streets.
“We want everyone to enjoy the World Cup no matter what nation they are supporting in a safe environment.
“Pub and clubs should show the same amount of respect to them as they do to those who support England.”
Sgt Gilbert said if the weather is good, many people would be partying at home or in their gardens and appealed to them to think of their neighbours, adding: “Not everyone supports football.”