VIOLENCE in Enfield pubs during the World Cup dropped by half this year compared to the previous tournament, figures have shown.

There were only nine incidents in pubs this year, compared to 19 in 2006.

Enfield Councillor Chris Bond, cabinet member for the environment and street scene, praised the good behaviour of pub licensees, drinkers and football fans.

He said: “This is the best news to come out of this year’s World Cup.

"It's a pity England’s players couldn’t perform as well as Enfield football fans and drinkers."

He added: “We really cranked up our publicity campaign this year, with more posters and beer mats urging fans to drink sensibly and enjoy the World Cup, and I think it has helped hugely.”

Superintendent Lucy D'Orsi, from Enfield Police Partnerships, said: “Enfield police committed extra resources and additional patrols to ensure that local residents were able to enjoy the World Cup.

"We engaged with licensees and worked in collaboration with the local authority through an extensive planning process.

"I am delighted with the results which show a clear decrease in crime associated with the World Cup in comparison to the previous tournament.”

The publicity campaign featured posters and beer mats distributed throughout all pubs, urging drinkers to cheer on England, drink sensibly or face an on-the-spot £80 penalty.