HUDDERSFIELD MP Barry Sheerman is calling for tougher measures to tackle alcohol-related nuisance behaviour.
He says figures in the latest British Crime Survey show that alcohol is a major contributor to anti-social behaviour.
The survey, carried out by the British Market Research Board, looks at both police data and unreported crimes.
Mr Sheerman said these facts were echoed by complaints he receives about bad behaviour from constituents.
He said: "Figures in the survey show that alcohol plays a major role in almost 60% of violent crimes in the UK.
"The connection is clear. Drunken disorderly conduct is not only a nuisance, it is a threat to the commercial vitality of our town centres.
"We must take immediate action."
Mr Sheerman believes one solution would be to pass the Violent Crime Reduction Bill. The Bill, which passed its second reading in Parliament on June 20, allows police officers to designate ``alcohol control zones".
This means they can issue higher penalties for drinking offences in that area and impose more restrictions on alcohol consumption.
Mr Sheerman said: "The Bill will impose restrictions on pubs that repeatedly play a part in creating a disorderly atmosphere."
