LANDLORDS could lose their licences for selling alcohol to drunken customers in a tough campaign to stamp out booze-fuelled violence, vandalism and yobbish behaviour in North Yorkshire

The 'last drink' strategy has been adopted by Ryedale commander Inspector Neil Burnett and licensing officer PC John Tugwell after examining policies used by other forces.

Officers in York will study the scheme carefully to see if it affects drinkers' behaviour.

"We are in the process of developing a 'last drink' interview protocol, which we will use when we come into contact with people as a result of their behaviour on a Friday or Saturday night.

"If they are drunk, we will ask them which premises they bought their last drink in and who served them. Based on that information, we will visit the licensed premises," said Insp Burnett.

He said licensees will be given an official warning - and are at risk of having their alcohol licence revoked if they receive more than one.

Luke Postlethwaite, 30, licensee of the King's Head Hotel, Market Place, Malton, said: "I always say: 'If they can't ask for it, they can't have it'. The buck stops here, it's my name above the door so it's my social responsibility."

York licensing officer PC Ashley Fitzhugh said officers in the city would watch the trial closely to see if it had any effect on drinking behaviour.

He said the scheme would be far more difficult to introduce in York because there might not be the resources available to track down pubs which had served problem drinkers.

"We will watch this with interest. It is not going to solve all our problems, but if it can remind staff and customers of their responsibilities and raise awareness of the issues, then I welcome it."

If police think they have a strong enough case they will apply to magistrates for the revocation of a licensee's licence to sell alcohol.

Updated: 10:43 Tuesday, June 08, 2004