Met Police Superintendent Jonathan Williams has confirmed to ClaretandHugh that pubs have been requested to stop serving alcohol ahead of tonight clash with Chelsea.
He told us: “I have asked a number of public houses to stop serving drinks an hour before tomorrow night’s game. We know that alcohol contributes to anti social behaviour and want to do all we can to ensure that tomorrow nights game passes of without incident.”
CandH was told all pubs in the area received a hand delivered letter from police officers requesting they stop serving alcohol between 6.45pm and 7.45pm.
Although the request is not compulsory, the police do have the power to shut a pub if they believe public order offences are likely to be committed. The police say they will not take a heavy handed approach and will instead work with pub landlords.
Both clubs, stadium operators and the police have advised for supporters to get to the London Stadium at least one hour early as long queues are likely as a 100% bag and body search is carried out on 50,000 plus supporters.
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