VALE licensees are preparing for the World Cup and the risk of increased disorder at pubs across the area, which comes with the extra drink downed by football fans during the tournament.

But with licensees such as Steve Murphy of the Blue Maze and chairman of the Evesham and District LVA (Licensed Victuallers Association) improving their security and briefing staff about their responsibilities, he says don't blame them if trouble flares up in the streets.

He said: "If trouble should break out as a result of a mindless few intent on spoiling it for everyone else then the cause lies squarely at the boardroom of national retailers, some brewers and to a lesser degree, local agencies and councils who are not using the powers they have."

With the 2006 World Cup in Germany beginning tomorrow licensees across the county are hoping to avoid a repercussion of some of the trouble witnessed in the county during the last tournament in Japan and South Korea in 2002.

Steve added: "The blame will inevitably be put on the shoulders of the pubs and clubs but that is not the issue at all.

"We can deal with the trouble on our own premises as we can chuck them out. But it is the supermarkets that are trying to capitalise on the World Cup. People can pick up a huge amount of alcohol for a very low price and sit at home drinking it all, before they even come out to the pub.

"There is a very good CCTV system we can use in Evesham to warn other bars about a particularly troublesome group of drinkers and as always we will be doing our utmost to ensure there is no violence."

West Mercia Police has stated that it will be adopting a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour throughout the tournament and those found drunk and disorderly will be issued £80 fines and get a police record.

Sgt Kevin Lane said: "We want people to understand that we will not tolerate the unacceptable behaviour of the minority affecting the enjoyment of the majority and that we will be taking a firm approach throughout the tournament."