A NIGHTCLUB owner will next week launch what he claims is Darlington's most expensive pint in an effort to deter binge drinking.

Les Langley is introducing the £3.50 pint of Kronenberg Blanc on Friday at his members-only Atlantic Bar, in Duke Street.

Mr Langley believes disorder and violent incidents in the town centre at night are caused by pubs and clubs offering cut-price drinks.

It is a sentiment shared by police and Darlington Borough Council, who are encouraging venues to ditch happy hours and two-for-one alcohol offers.

Mr Langley said the introduction of the Scottish Courage lager at the Atlantic, which has an over-21s policy, was aimed at encouraging customers not to get too drunk.

"I just want to give people the opportunity to drink in an environment where they know there won't be trouble," he said.

"The police and council are trying to get away from all of these cheap drinks and different offers that you see in town centre places.

"We have never had happy hours. My view on these drink-all-you-can promotions is that they tend to cause trouble and bring in the wrong element."

Chief Inspector Graham Hall, from Darlington police, agreed that cheap drinks promotions could lead to violence.

"I think there is a connection between lowering the prices and binge drinking," he said.

"One of the things that has become a concern of recent years is the amount of alcohol-related violence in the town centre and the injuries resulting from that.

"What we are trying to do locally is encourage responsibility among traders and drinkers and a greater awareness of the problems associated with alcohol.

"People need to understand the harm that they can cause to themselves."

Councillor Stephen Harker, the borough council's cabinet spokesman for licensing, said: "If you offer cheap alcohol, people will drink as much as they can afford.

"If people are getting drunk and causing a nuisance, then pub and bar owners have got a responsibility.

"I don't have a problem with them selling alcohol to make a profit, but they do have to take some responsibility for the consequences of that."