ALCOHOL related crime and binge drinking is being targeted by Bromsgrove police during the Christmas period.

Pubs and clubs in the area are being reminded of their legal responsibilities to prevent irresponsible drinking as part of Operation Christmas Presence.

The initiative is aimed at making the streets safer at this time of year and includes a blitz on drink driving, drink spiking and drink-fuelled violence.

PC Paul Bott, licensing officer in Bromsgrove, explains: "We welcome Operation Christmas Presence here in Bromsgrove."

He added: "We have been building on work we have done throughout the year to ensure people out celebrating during the festive season can do so safely."

Police will be working closely with owners and managers of pubs and clubs to promote the operation and to reduce 'all you can drink' and 'happy hour' type offers.

"We enjoy a positive working relationship with local licensees in the town and we are confident they will help us to make the initiative a success," he said.

There will also be an increased police presence in the town, with more officers on patrol in the run up to Christmas.

"We will be liaising with the licensees and door staff to respond quickly to any incidents of disorder," added PC Bott.

Operation Christmas Presence will be running in Bromsgrove throughout Christmas and the New Year.