Sweet plan to curb drink disorder

Researchers claim that lollipops help to pacify drinkers

More than 10,000 lollipops are being handed out to late-night revellers in Darlington town centre in a bid to reduce alcohol-related disorder.

The sweets will be given to drinkers as they leave pubs and clubs in a scheme led by the Darlington Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP).

Research claims to show that sugar helps stabilise the behaviour of people who have consumed alcohol.

It is also hoped pub-goers will be less rowdy if they are sucking on lollipops.

The initiative which has proved popular in other areas of the country, begins on 1 December.

Over Christmas 2006, police in West Oxfordshire attributed a 10% fall in crime to the distribution of lollipops.

In Darlington, the sweets will be available to drinkers leaving Escapade, Flares, Inside Out, Cactus Jack and Route 66.