Police call for public booze ban

Mike Craik launched a crackdown on drunken crime

The chief constable of Northumbria Police has called for under 21s to be banned from drinking in public.

Mike Craik claimed almost every act of violence his officers dealt with was fuelled by drink.

He spoke out against young drinkers after a Newcastle councillor called for under 21s to be banned from the city centre pubs.

Two years ago, Mr Craik launched a campaign called The Party's Over to crack down on drink-related violence.

Speaking on Friday, he said: "The legal age for drinking in public should be raised from 18 to 21.

"This is in the streets and in parks, rather than in pubs and clubs. I also think there should be a ban on advertising alcohol and a ban on alcopops.

"Cheap promotional offers on drink in pubs and supermarkets should also be banned."

His comments came after councillor Ian Proud raised the idea in response to booze-fuelled anti-social behaviour.

Mr Proud's colleagues did not back his proposal and elected to maintain its hard-line approach against shops and pubs serving under 18s.