Football fans in Germany have been given a World Cup boost after the government announced its decision today to relax laws concerning noise levels in public.

German law currently bans excessive noise levels outdoors after 2200 (2000 GMT), however the government said this would be relaxed from June 1 to July 31 for the public to benefit fully from the World Cup.

Like many countries Germany's open air spaces -- town squares, parks and terraces -- will become meeting points for fans who wish to watch games on giant screens during the June 11-July 11 showpiece.

The same measures were taken for the 2006 World Cup hosted by Germany and the 2008 European Championships in Austria and Switzerland.

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