LICENSED premises turning rowdy during the World Cup could be forced to close, council leaders have warned.
Pubs which encourage binge drinking or violence during the tournament may be shut down, said the Local Government Association (LGA).
The tough warning has been welcomed by the Ellesmere Port Pub Watch group of licensees.
Chairwoman and licensee of the Old Red Lion in Little Sutton Jacqueline Fadden said: 'It's a responsible landlord's duty not to serve anyone who appears to be intoxicated.
'Our members are responsible licensees and I'm sure they will do their best to make the World Cup tournament an enjoyable time. No-one wants any trouble.
'This move is part of the recent Licensing Act which did not relax the licensing laws like some people thought, but actually tightened them up to make licensed premises a safe environment. I fully support it.
'There will be a lot more alcohol served during the games and I'm sure local licensees will be on the ball.'
The LGA has a three-point plan to combat rowdy behaviour in and around pubs over the next few weeks.
It says residents experiencing problems should contact their council's environmental health department and local councillor, keep a diary detailing rowdy behaviour and call the police for serious incidents, and be willing to present their views to the council's licensing committee.
Cllr Bryony Rudkin, chairwoman of the LGA's safer communities board, said: 'New, tougher laws are there to protect residents.
'Pubs should be warned that councils and the police will have no qualms about using these powers in the coming weeks.
'Councils will be paying particularly close attention to irresponsible drinks promotions.
'If they are the cause of disruption local authorities can and will ban them.'
