A NEW, get-tough alcohol campaign should make Andover town centre a safer place to enjoy an evening out, say the town's police.

In the programme launched this week, Hampshire Constabulary is joining forces with the Government, Trading Standards officials, Hampshire County Council and the drinks industry to stamp out alcohol related disorder on the streets.

"Andover police officers will be fully behind the campaign," said Insp Andy Jennings from Andover police station.

The campaign aims to use the combined power of all the authorities involved to stop under-age and drunken people being served alcohol in the town.

It also plans to crack down on 'irresponsible' pubs advertising cut price drinks and happy hours that may encourage binge drinking.

"When we feel that excessive drinking is encouraged to the extreme, we will take action against the pubs.

"But I'm glad to say that we share a very good rapport with licensed premises in Andover," Insp Jennings said.

Besides a strong link with publicans, Andover police will also benefit from a pilot scheme run in Hampshire which ensures the SIA (Security Industry Authority) works alongside the police to vet door staff before issuing licences.

Insp Jennings pointed out that the town's Pub Watch scheme is still running strongly - allowing pubs to contact each other through a radio system and report troublemakers.

And although patrols were stepped up in the town for the Euro 2004 matches, the good news is that the tournament passed by without any trouble, Insp Jennings said.

Insp Jennings thinks the way in which the police treat licensees is key and says Andover police are placing an emphasis on consultation rather than court threats.

"We prefer to consult publicans rather than take legal action against them, but this certainly shouldn't make people think this is a lawless town," he said.