POLICE and council chiefs say they are pleased that positive steps have been taken to end drink-fuelled violence on Southampton streets.

They commended licensees in Bedford Place for moving in the right direction to help solve the weekly problem of drunken behaviour, which they partly blame on cheap drinks promotions.

As reported, representatives of 21 venues in the area have vowed to unite to try and collectively deal with the problems that are stretching police resources every Tuesday night – a popular student night.

Clean-up teams from the council have also been facing a mass operation to dispose of rubbish and debris – from bottles and food packaging to vomit.

The licensees voted to all sign up to Licensing Link – a radio-linked scheme which they all log on to each night and can warn each other of potentially problematic customers who have been turned away or thrown out of a premises for being drunk.

But they stopped short of agreeing to introduce a minimum pricing policy on all drinks which many felt could drastically harm their businesses.

Southampton’s police commander today said she took on board their concerns but hoped that the idea could one day be implemented citywide.

Chief Inspector Alison Scott said: “I would like these licensees to be a shining example to the rest of the city by taking the lead – and ultimately encouraging others to be part of it. I am pleased with the steps they have already chosen to take and of the acknowledgement that everybody needs to take ownership of this problem. This is a city with a problem of alcohol related disorder and any measure is certainly a step forward.”

Chf Insp Scott also pledged to work with licensees by training staff and doorstaff on how to recognise and deal with alcohol related problems as well as speaking with local offlicenses and shops.

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But she warned: “They all have a responsibility individually to ensure people are not being served when they have already had too much.”

Cllr Royston Smith, deputy leader of Southampton City Council, said: “I’m delighted we’ve taken this step and was always confident that the council and its partners would be able to reach some sort of agreement with our licensees.

“We will continue to support our night-time economy to protect businesses and jobs in these lean times as well as offering residents and visitors to the area a great product.

“This will be about finding the right balance – of course we want everyone to enjoy themselves but we need to ensure we keep people safe.”