STAG and hen night parties may be banned in a city centre to help it move away from the pub culture and cater to a wider range of people.

York's multi-million pound nighttime economy is largely tied up with the drinking culture.

With such a high number of clubs and bars, it is a popular location for hen and stag parties, which are often associated with alcohol-driven anti-social behaviour.

But things could change if recommendations in a report by York Tourism Partnership to York City Council's Economic Development Board gain approval next Tuesday.

Leader of York City Council, Councillor Steve Galloway, said: "One thing the report recommends is that we try to make the city centre more attractive at night.

"One of the things likely to discourage families from going into certain parts of the city centre at night is boisterous alcohol-fuelled parties, such as stag and hen parties.

"The partnership includes hoteliers, bar owners, shop keepers and restaurant owners and they are better able to have more influence over whether large groups of generally younger people are encouraged into the city centre.

"The council's influence is restricted to licensing laws, so it is very much up to the proprietors to take action."

The council is looking to exploit York's abundant history and heritage and build on its growing reputation for festivals.

And a number of ideas to help York attract a more diverse range of people to its city centre in the evenings have been suggested by the partnership.

New attractions and events could be introduced to appeal to a broader spectrum of people and venues will be encouraged to cater to families and older customers.

Coun Galloway said: "We are very keen on the idea of pavement cafes and we had an open air cinema for a few days last year, which was remarkably popular. The partnership also hopes more shops will open in the evening."

The council is also looking to improve late-night public transport in the city as well as street lighting and CCTV coverage.