THE ISLAND'S most senior policeman has hit out at pubs and clubs whose are stirring up a cocktail of public order and violence problems with cut-price booze promotions.

Supt David Kilbride's comments come as some clubs are holding promotions with lager as cheap as 10p a pint. Another promises all you can drink for £15.

Supt Kilbride said there was a clear link between drunkenness and violence and pointed to the fact that violent crime was the black-spot in the latest local police statistics.

Those figures showed a rise from 1,412 crimes in 2001/02 to 1,762 last year.

Supt Kilbride said he would be raising his concerns with the Isle of Wight Council that takes over licensing roles from magistrates later this year.

He said: "Of particular concern are the pubs and clubs that offer very cheap drinks promotions that can only lead to people getting drunk.

"They are leaving us to pick up the pieces and our officers are among those assaulted.

"The majority of licensees are very responsible but our ultimate sanction against those that are not and who have violence proven to emanate from their premises is for us to oppose licence renewal."

His views were supported by Isle of Wight Council member Andy Sutton who has played a key role in the SNAP anti-drink and drugs initiative.

"This will be an issue for the council when we assume licensing responsibilities,'' said Cllr Sutton.