VIOLENT pub-goers in Lancashire have been warned they will face exclusion orders if they cause trouble this festive season.

Officers at Lancashire Police have launched a crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour in the run up to Christmas as part of Operation Shepherd.

For the first time anyone convicted of violent conduct in licensed premises in December and early January could be given a lengthy ban.

Police will apply to the courts to issue an exclusion order that will prohibit the culprit from entering those or other nearby licensed premises for up to two years.

Officers will visit hot spot areas, such as parks, recreation grounds and school playing fields, to confiscate alcohol off youths.

Uniformed police will increase the number of high visibility visits to pubs over the weekends looking for under-age drinkers and people who are drunk buying more alcohol.

Police will also be underlining the message to licensees that it is an offence to serve alcohol to someone who is drunk.

Acting Assistant Chief Constable Wendy Walker said, "We want everybody to not only enjoy the festive period but also the run up to Christmas too.

"The aim of Operation Shepherd is to reassure the community and offer safety advice."