LICENSEES in Darlington will be asked to join a code of practice on responsible drinking in the light of a report which reveals that alcohol is to blame for three-quarters of assaults in the town centre.

Darlington Borough Council is asking the town's 184 pubs, 46 registered clubs and three nightclubs to avoid bargain booze promotions, demand proof-of-age identification and reduce standing space for drinkers.

The aim is to discourage binge drinking and drastically reduce the number of alcohol-related incidents in the town.

The code of practice is included in a report, Reducing Alcohol Harm and Promoting Responsible Drinking, which has been sent to all licensees and includes data from the North-East Public Health Observatory 2003 survey.

The report reveals that 74 per cent of assaults in Darlington town centre are alcohol related and that drink is to blame for most cases of assault dealt with at Darlington Memorial Hospital's casualty department, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights, Sunday mornings and bank holidays.

Two years ago, there were 840 incidents on licensed premises and 130 incidents of public disturbance in the town centre, mainly between 9am and 3am at weekends.

Twenty nine per cent of men and ten per cent of women in Darlington drink more than the national recommended level and 26 per cent of men and 14 per cent of women binge drink.

The code of practice asks licensees to undertake to:

* Avoid irresponsible drinks promotions.

* Ask for proof of age and support trading standards and police test purchases to combat underage drinking.

* Display messages about responsible drinking.

* Support a year-round designated driver scheme by offering cheaper soft drinks and free water.

* Train staff in refusing service, make premises safer and provide more seating.

* Support Darlington Pubwatch.

The Atlantic Bar, in Duke Street, is one venue that has signed up.

Owner Les Langley said: "As licensees, we all do have a moral obligation to reduce disorder in the town. This goes a long way towards preventing further trouble."

Darlington's Public Protection Forum will be asked to endorse the code on Thursday.