We're ready for you! Police today warned binge-drinkers who abuse the new licensing laws to get ready for a night in the cells.
Early hours - Jackie Dungey, manager of the Playhouse pub in St John Street, Colchester, with staff Fred Alder, Sharon Kerr, Tina McKenzie and David Roberts. Picture: ADRIAN RUSHTON (46429-2)
Officers are bracing themselves for a busy weekend as nearly 90 licensed premises in Colchester town centre stay open longer to sell booze.
From tonight, more than 400 bars across the borough will be allowed to keep their doors open later under the new legislation.
Supt Carl O'Malley said officers had already had their hands full keeping a lid on Friday and Saturday night trouble.
He said police are facing "the big unknown" and pledged to put more officers on the streets to meet alcohol-fuelled problems head on.
"We do not know what effect it is going to have," he said.
"It is a bit of look and see. It could have no effect whatsoever. It's going to take months before people cotton on to the real impact.
"We're concerned with the long-term and how we manage it over the next six months. We're hoping there will be little or no impact."
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Thursday, November 24, 2005
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