POLICE in Huddersfield are calling time on drunk and disorderly behaviour.

They are working together with other organisations to crack down on the illegal and irresponsible sale of alcohol and drink-related crimes.

It means officers will mingle with crowds packing town centre clubs night after night, to make sure people are safe and well- behaved.

There will also be extra town centre patrols.

The scheme is part of the National Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign, which was the Government launched this month.

This week, a dozen officers went to the Ethos & Visage complex at Folly Hall.

They chatted to customers, checked door security and safety exits and liaised with club staff.

Insp Mark Broadhead, who heads the operation, said: "We will be targetting nightclubs to conduct joint licensing visits, along with officers from Kirklees Council, licensing and fire service officers.

"The licensing visits will take place with the full knowledge and consent of the licence-holders. We want to work with them to reduce alcohol misuse.

"It is important we put up a united front in dealing with the sort of anti-social behaviour which stems from drunkenness.

"We want to ensure that when people come to Huddersfield they are able to enjoy themselves without being disrupted by the bad behaviour of others."

Each nightclub will receive a two-hour visit from 10pm until midnight, so police can see how the businesses operate at busy times.

Police will be looking at the way in which door staff deal with large numbers of customers, particularly those who may be drunk or abusive.

Officers will work together with the licensees and door staff to overcome problems encountered with people who have had too much to drink.

Insp Broadhead added: "We will be focusing on licensed premises where disorder and abuse of licensing laws have taken place.

"We will take a firm line to make sure that the licensing laws are fully implemented and enforced."

Police and trading standards officers will also target off- licences, carrying out test purchases in areas where there has been anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.

Insp Broadhead said: "We have received intelligence concerning the sale of alcohol to both under-18s and to irresponsible adults who pass the alcohol on to under age-drinkers.

"Shops who do this can expect a knock at the door," the inspector added.