IMMINENT changes to the UK's licensing laws have prompted police to re-launch a Pub Watch scheme.

More than 150 licence holders across Easington district have been sent letters outlining how the initiative will work.

Legislation taking effect from Monday means pubs, bars, restaurants and clubs will be able to apply to local authorities for an extension to their licensing hours.

With the Government making the issue of binge drinking a priority, licensees are being urged to use Pub Watch to ensure their premises are well-run and call time on troublesome drinkers.

Yesterday, at the first of two meetings to explain the scheme, more than 60 licensees attended Peterlee Lodge.

Licensing officers and local authority representatives gave their perspective on the change in regulations, offering advice on how to combat drugs misuse and handed out posters, beer mats and other promotional material.

David Sproats, licensee of the Oaklands Hotel in Peterlee's Oakerside, said after the meeting: "There is a lot of support for Pub Watch and its success will depend on us all acting together.''

Publicans and managers will also be offered the chance to join the Crime Ring system, which enables the police to issue early warnings of potential trouble.

"Pub Watch has been defunct for several years but we felt the time was right to get it off the ground again,'' said Durham Constabulary's substance misuse officer for the area, Sergeant Tim Robson.

"The impetus for the scheme came from the licensees, who know the people who need to be barred from certain premises.

"The indications so far are that few premises in the north of the county are thinking of applying for longer hours.

"However, this is a very competitive, cut throat industry and my feeling is that if one application succeeds then others may follow.

"No company will want to miss out on potential trade."

A second meeting will be held at the Mallard pub, in Seaham, at 10.30am today.