THE top health chief in Southampton says that increasing the cost of alcohol would save lives.

Dr Andrew Morti-more today backed calls to put up the cost of drinks in Southampton’s pubs, bars and clubs after a Daily Echo investigation revealed discount drinks had fuelled a surge in crime.

Meanwhile, a new boss will be appointed next month to oversee the city’s bars, pubs and clubs, the Daily Echo can reveal.

The £26,000-a-year night time economy manager is being brought in to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour.

It comes as councillors threaten to get tough with pubs and bars that cause trouble for residents.

Our investigation continues inside today's Daily Echo, including stories on:

• 'Drink price war puts lives at risk'
• Tsar to clean up night life
• Call for more bars to face reviews

Stories in yesterdays Daily Echo:

• Are students out of control?
• How did it get so bad?
• The benefits of a large student population
• Will price hikes solve the problems?
• Students have their say
• Police view on the booze problem
• Harassed by drunk students after heart surgery
• The cost of the clean-up
• Why is booze so cheap on weeknights?