A TOP cop has appealed to pub bosses to help police stamp out binge drinking in Lancaster.

Thousands of revellers pour into the historic city centre on Friday and Saturday nights to crawl around the scores of pubs and clubs.

And while Inspector Phil Coope, the geographic inspector for Lancaster, welcomes people into the city, he is concerned about problems associated with too much booze.

"There is no doubt that too much alcohol and cases of violent crime and disorder are intrinsically linked," says Insp Coope.

"There is a problem on Friday and Saturday night in the city with people drinking too much and that causes the police problems.

"I am not suggesting Lancaster is any different to other towns and cities across the country but there is a problem nontheless."

Throughout the city centre at weekends, flyers are handed out by pub and club staff offering cheap drinks, two for one offers or a free shot with any pint bought.

And Insp Coope wants to see that trend come to a stop.

"A lot of licensees and pub companies are trying to win the student trade over and they see drinks promotions as the perfect way to do that but I would like to see people encouraging sensible drinking.

"We are working with city pub and club owners on responsible drinking and that would be better for everyone concerned."

Steve Thorn, Lancaster's longest-serving landlord, is not against drink promotions but is concerned about how some pubs operate them.

"I do run the odd promotion but they are for the benefit of my regulars and I do not advertise the fact around the city centre," says Mr Thorn, who has run the Ye Olde John O'Gaunt for almost 19 years.

"I prefer to see people drinking responsibly and if one of my regulars is drinking too much I will have a quiet word. It is much easier to suggest to someone that they have had enough than to cope with them when they get out of order."

Lancaster police licensing officer Graham Cheetham believes that most pubs in the city are doing the right thing and says: "The vast majority of licensees are very responsible and act in the correct manner. The main problem with promotions is that people tend to mix their drinks and can finish up very drunk and that is when the problems start."