THE FIGHT against binge-boozers has stepped up a gear to prevent trouble in the run up to Christmas.

Swindon Council has joined forces with the police to stamp out any signs of a late night drinking price war.

This week, nightclubs and bars will be reminded of the terms of their licenses.

The authorities want to ram home the message that late night extensions are conditional upon the sale of booze being secondary to music and dancing.

Bar managers trying to lure customers with cut-price promotions - such as two-for-one offers - could have their licences revoked.

The council and police are already investigating several venues.

Borough licensing officer Lionel Starling said. "We are currently assisting the police in gathering evidence to support applications to revoke some late licences.

"I am not blaming managers because most of these promotions are driven by the bosses of pub and club chains.

"The reality is that some promotional activity is clearly breaking the law and will not be tolerated in Swindon."

Mr Starling recently warned that the town centre was being turned into a no-go zone for the over-30s at night.

The debate about violence was fuelled further when a senior judge said he was wary of walking through the town after dark.

However, there are signs that the message is getting across to the drinks industry.

Yates' in Bridge Street has announced it is scrapping promotions in a bid to curb drink-fuelled disorder.

Superintendent Andrew Tatum - Swindon's Divisional Commander - wants to see a town centre everyone can enjoy at night.

He said: "We are committed to working for a lively and enjoyable atmosphere in the town.

"But we are also intent on using all our powers to deal with the irresponsible few who seek to spoil it for others.

"Crimes of violence need to be reduced still further in Swindon.

"A responsible licensing trade with fair and robust policing will reduce violence further, ensuring Swindon is safe for all."

Coun Brian Ford (Con, Wroughton and Chiseldon) is Swindon Council's lead member for all matters referring to licensing.

He said: "The council has no objection to businesses offering keen prices as a matter of routine.

"However, manipulating prices and actively promoting offers to draw in late night customers is against the law.

"We do not want to see a price war in the run up to Christmas that fuels the binge drinking problem."

England's licensing laws

Licencees can sell drink after 11pm by applying for entertainment licences.

These are granted under section 77 of the Licensing Act.

But there is a proviso to protect against excess drinking.

The law states that an extension can be granted so long as the sale of alchol is secondary to the provison of entertainment, such as music, or food.

In other words, the law stops landlords using entertainment as an excuse to simply sell more drink.

If complaints are made to the council, the entertainment licence can be investigated and, possibly revoked.

Tamash Lal