Newcastle United play host to Sunderland on Sunday, and supporters of both teams are expected to be out in force in pubs and clubs across the borough.
Police say they are expecting fans to behave themselves, and will be asking landlords and pub bosses to ban football shirts from being worn after 6pm, in a bid to stop people from staying out too long after the derby match.
Kick-off at St James’s Park is at noon – to try to curb drinking before the game – and police will be meeting with licence-holders asking them to keep an eye out for unruly behaviour.
Neighbourhood Inspector Peter Sutton said: “We work alongside licensees and Pubwatch in the run-up to each derby match.
“We aren’t telling people how to run their premises, we are simply offering advice, which licensees and staff always take on board, as they want the day to be enjoyable and their pub or club to be safe for customers and staff alike.
“In South Tyneside we generally don’t have big problems surrounding the derby match, but we recognise the need to be prepared should any incidents occur.
“Additional police will be patrolling throughout the day to closely monitor pubs and clubs, to combat any potential disorder, but also offer reassurance to managers, staff and customers.
“We hope everyone enjoys the match, but will take positive action against any problems that arise.”
All pubs and clubs in the borough have been sent a letter asking staff to refuse to serve customers who are drunk and to display notices warning people that abuse or violence will not be tolerated.
Officers say they will not hesitate to close any premises if they believe it will prevent disorder.
Local officers will have visited every pub and club in the borough by the end of Saturday, to discuss any concerns the landlords or landladies might have.