HUNDREDS of pubs, clubs and off-licences across Darlington are being warned that they must control the amount of litter coming from their premises.
Changes to licensing laws mean that local authorities, rather than magistrates' courts, now deal with licence applications.
And Darlington Borough Council has made it a condition of any application that potential litter problems are dealt with.
The town's 450 licensed premises include pubs, nightclubs, off-licences, supermarkets that sell alcohol and take-aways.
Litter control steps could include the regular collection of discarded promotional flyers, the installation of litter bins for use by customers and regular clean-ups around the premises.
Stephen Harker, the council's environment spokesman, said: "The commitment of the licensed premises across the borough to reduce litter will be a great support for the campaign to reduce littering in Darlington.
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