Pubs and police braced for 'Mad Friday'

In Leeds, police say they will be "working closely" with licensees and door staff to help keep drinkers safe and are expecting the number of calls they receive in an average 24-hour period to double tomorrow (Friday 18 December) - with a "significant proportion" of the increase coming from alcohol-related incidents.

Chief Inspector Chris Matthews said: "Leeds has some excellent pubs, bars and clubs and we know people will be out to celebrate finishing work on what is for many the start of the Christmas holiday season.

"While we want people to enjoy themselves, we want to them to do it safely and without putting themselves or others at risk.

"The city is, generally, a safe place to enjoy a night out and we want people to have a great time. The last thing anyone wants is to have their Christmas break ruined by something that could have been easily avoided."

In Bolton, Inspector Dave Henthorne told a local newspaper that pubs and bars had a responsibility to look after customers and that police in the area were expecting an "incredibly busy" night.

Extra police will also be out on patrol in Cumbria as local pubs and bars are expected to get significantly busier.

Chief Superintendent Steve Johnson said: "The floods have brought a lot of misery to Cumbria and, for those that are able to go out, I want them to have the enjoyable time that they deserve. However, an enjoyable night means a safe night and we will not tolerate those who spoil the night for others because they cannot control their tempers after a couple of drinks."

In previous years, the sale of alcohol in pubs, bars and restaurants on the Friday before Christmas rose by 114% compared to an average Friday.