A combination of a mid-afternoon kick-off and soaring temperatures is expected to result in a rise in drinking – and the force are urging fans to ensure they maintain the ‘good-natured’ atmosphere seen after this week’s match against Colombia.
The game also coincides with two large festivals – the Jersey Together event at the People’s Park and the Out There dance music festival in St Ouen.
England fans spilled onto the streets in celebration on Tuesday night following the penalty shoot-out victory.
Inspector Paul Smith has today urged Islanders to behave themselves and make sure they are well hydrated throughout the day.
He said: ‘On Tuesday we had heavy engagement with licensees and door staff. People were out enjoying the evening and it was very good natured.
‘The weather and the football might encourage people to drink a bit more. There was a nice positive vibe on Tuesday – that is what we want and we hope that will continue this weekend.’
He added that any threatening behaviour or public disorder would be ‘policed robustly’ but their intention was not to dampen spirits and make arrests.
Additional officers were also on patrol on Tuesday night, and the evening passed without incident, the States police said.
Islanders were also due to head out to Val de la Mare today for the first Out There dance festival, which was scheduled to start at 2 pm and finish at midnight. The inaugural Jersey Together festival opened yesterday and closes tomorrow.
Insp Smith added: ‘Our role is primarily public safety. We ask people to enjoy themselves, have a good time but to think of others.
‘Success for us is no arrests at all. Yes, it will be a busy day for us but we have plans and resources in place. If it goes like Tuesday that would be fantastic – it is great to see people enjoying themselves, having a celebration and there being very few issues.’
