POLICE are launching a drive to reduce drink-fuelled violence and disorder across County Durham.

High-visibility street patrols and visits to pubs, nightclubs and off-licences will be made through the summer in the campaign which starts tomorrow.

The drive, centred on Durham and Darlington, will also see test-purchases made at off-licences to check that under-18s are not being served.

The force is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour through its StreetSafe initiative and the campaign is part of a Government bid to change the country's drinking culture.

"The misuse of alcohol has a direct impact on the quality of life of those living both in the vicinity of licensed premises and beyond," said Sergeant Tim Robson, of the force's north area licensing unit.

"Throughout this campaign, we will be increasing uniformed patrols around pubs, clubs and off-licenses and, behind the scenes, we will be working closely with licensees to ensure they are doing what they can to improve the situation."

Councils, the fire service and the Health and Safety Executive will also visit pubs and clubs to ensure licensees are aware of their responsibilities under the licensing act.

Sgt Robson said licensees could help by ensuring their premises were not overcrowded, not serving people who were drunk and setting the right mood with music and lighting at the end of the night. He said irresponsible promotions, such as "buy one, get one free", needed to stop.

During the campaign beat officers will be looking for under-age youngsters who cause nuisance by congregating to drink. Off-licences will be asked to sell only to over-21s to reduce the chance of teenagers sending someone to buy alcohol for them.

Chief Inspector Graham Hall, head of community justice for the south of the force, said in addition to Darlington, the campaign would include Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle, Crook, Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor.

"Whilst Darlington has the largest concentration of alcohol outlets in the south, other smaller market and new towns have similar problems associated with violence and the night time economy.

"It is our intention throughout the campaign to concentrate our activities in these areas to promote a safer environment in which people can enjoy themselves without risk or fear of violence."