Fifteen pubs across the Braintree district have signed up to support a campaign aimed at raising awareness and reducing the level of domestic abuse and excessive drinking during the World Cup.

Launched by the Braintree District Community Safety Partnership, a partnership of local authorities, police and fire services, health authorities and the voluntary sector, the ‘Footballs’ no excuse’ campaign will run across fifteen supporting pubs with members of staff wearing t-shirts supporting the campaign.

Councillor Wendy Schmitt said: "Nationally, the incidences of domestic abuse increase by 30% following a football match, there is also a culture in this country of associating football with drinking and with over 1.2 million people a year ending up in hospital specifically because of alcohol. 

"Domestic Abuse is an on-going priority of the Community Safety Partnership and the message from this campaign is very simple, football is no excuse.”

The campaign will run alongside the launch of Essex Police and Essex County Council’s Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse.

Karen Dedman, manager at the Bull pub in Braintree, said: “We pride ourselves on being a responsible retailer so it is only right we support this important campaign.

"We are looking forward to welcoming customers who can enjoy a warm and friendly atmosphere during the World Cup at the Bull.”