TOWN centre publicans have called time on cheap drinks in a bid to tackle drunken disorder.

About 30 licensees gathered for a meeting at Middlesbrough Town Hall yesterday to discuss how best to combat the problem. They agreed to charge at least £1.50 for draught beers, bottled drinks and spirits and a minimum of £2 for cocktails from 9pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

The only exception will be the Isaac Wilson, on Wilson Street, which was judged not to contribute to disorder. Under the agreement, nightclubs will no longer be able to offer unlimited free drinks, although happy hours before the 9pm watershed will be permitted.

The decision to stop discounting follows a meeting last month, in which Middlesbrough licensing officer, PC Revis Phillips, appealed to licensees to consider the impact of cheap drinks on the town centre.

At yesterday's meeting, he said: "The main incidents are stemming from Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. I would like a period of at least six months to reduce disorder and hopefully drag people back into the town. During that period, you will see the figures have been reduced."

PC Phillips said he will closely monitor the situation on Sundays and if necessary, consider a separate agreement.

He said all town centre licensees will be compelled to stick to the minimum prices.

"The people who aren't here will be addressed as soon as possible," he said. "If any premises start creating a problem, I will raise it with the licensee and if necessary, take them to court.

"The magistrates back us on this and we will be happy to revoke licenses."

In addition to fixing prices, the licensees also voted unanimously to establish a pub-watch scheme to tip each other off about troublemakers.

They will utilise a police communications system to relay information. To combat litter from leaflet dropping, they agreed only to distribute them outside their own premises and clear up their own mess.

PC Phillips said two towers will be designated for fly-posting. He said: "It's encouraging that the licensees have accepted that drinks discounting has led to an increase in violence."