The era of the drunken yob and the rogue licensee is coming to an end, according to Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell.

Her words came as the Government launched its biggest-ever crackdown on drunken loutishness and noisy pubs, just a week before the new licensing act is introduced in England and Wales.

"Rogue licensees and those who engage in drunken yobbery can consider themselves on notice from today - the party can continue, but if you step out of line, you can expect the full force of the law to come down on you," Jowell said.

The government hopes that the £2.5m it has pledged will help combat underage drinking, and will see licensees and staff who sell alcohol to under-18s being issued with fixed penalties or even being prosecuted.

The plans include eliminating alcohol-related crime, with police having the power to revoke licences.

By Jen Crothers

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