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Twickenham pubs blow the whistle at 8.00pm for Army vs Navy rugby match

Summary:

The teams will battle it out for the Babcock Trophy this weekend.

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By Jacob Metcalf

Pubs will join forces with the police by closing early to prevent anti-social behaviour after the Army vs Navy rugby match in Twickenham on Saturday.

Over the past two years licensees have closed at 8.00pm to discourage incidents after the highly anticipated match and this year will be no different.

A Twickenham police spokesman said: “After discussions with local residents and businesses and from past events,

“It is widely regarded this agreed cut off time will reduce the number of anti-social problems that can affect Twickenham and the surrounding area.”

Royal Military police and Royal Navy police will be on hand to help control the crowd who will watch the Navy attempt to avenge their loss last year.

The best of the army and navy rugby teams will battle it out for the Babcock Trophy at Twickenham stadium this Saturday in front of 70,000 spectators.

The popular Military Wives Choirs will be serenading supporters alongside the Band of Her Royal Majesty’s Marines before the game.

The match kicks off at 3pm and Spirit Dance Troup will encourage supporters to cheer for their teams and the British armed forces.

Pubs must stop serving by 8pm and have everyone out by 8.30pm.

The spokesman said that the early closing times should help to significantly disperse the spectators, many of whom will have consumed a considerable amount of alcohol at this time.

The agreed closure worked well last year as no serious incidents were reported, although one exhibitionist did streak across the pitch.

Photo courtesy of Pete Baugh, with thanks.

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