NEW licensing laws have not led to an outbreak of disorder, a report has found.

North Yorkshire Police say the later opening of pubs and clubs in the Harrogate area has not meant an increase of anti-social behaviour and violence, as many had feared.

Part of the success has been put down to the Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign (Amec).

The campaign was timed to coincide with the introduction of the new laws.

Its aim is to deter and detect licensing offences.

Deputy Chief Constable Ian McPherson, said: "Although it is perhaps a little early to assess the impact of the Licensing Act, we are pleased with the success of the campaign.

"We have concentrated on early intervention and robust action, coupled with the policy of co-operation with the licensing trade, especially in the light of recent changes in opening hours.

"Tackling fear of crime and gaining public confidence remains one of my top priorities."

A daily log of incidents in licensed premises in the Harrogate is now being kept.

Councillor Bob Nash, chairman of Harrogate Borough Council's licensing sub-committee, said: "It is encouraging to see the amount of pre-emptive work that has been carried out both by the police and our public protection staff.

"Bringing in this new licensing regime has been a big undertaking.

"But by taking this very positive stance with the police and the management of licensable premises, many of whom are employing door supervisors to limit and control instances of disorder, we are satisfied that the system is starting to bed in and that we can get a handle on drink related crime and anti-social behaviour."

The Amec campaign ran alongside North Yorkshire Police's Alliance Against Violence Campaign.

Across the county, 2,000 visits to licensed premises were made with 80 fixed penalty notices issued.