UNDER-AGE drinkers and drug users have been told their days are numbered by a new licensing boss.

New chairman of the Ribble Valley Licensed Victuallers Association Peter Hopkinson, who runs The Dog Music and Sports Bar in Wellgate, Clitheroe, said he wanted his two years as chairman to be remembered for tackling the growing problem.

"I have a good system in my pub which means those who try to get in and are regarded as being under-age are not admitted," said Mr Hopkinson.

A meeting was held last night between landlords and concerned residents worried about the rise in youngsters buying alcohol in pubs and off licences.

Mr Hopkinson added: "We want to get together soon to see what can be done to address the under-age drinking and drug aspects which seem to be going on in the town centre and other places."

The Ribble Valley Crime and Disorder Partnership is also taking the matter on board and will be looking at ways to address the situation. All local off licences have been asked to be vigilant in who they are sell drink to.

One idea to try and stop the young drinkers in their tracks is the introduction of an identification card. Phill Knight, of Keystreet nightclub, in Lowergate, Clitheroe, said he thought it would work though the problem would be its implementation and cost.

Chief Inspector Andy said the idea of a registration scheme had already been thought about, but it would be difficult to set up.

"Young people would much rather spend a fiver on a couple of pints rather than buy an ID card," he said.

The talks came after it was announced town centre crime was up by 17 per cent. However, Chief Inspector Pratt said many of the figures related to nuisance incidents and were often attributed to older drinkers making noise in the town as they moved from pub to pub.

It was not necessarily related to under age drinkers. Other complaints filed involved illegal parking of taxis at weekends.

All the issues will be raised when the Licensed Victuallers Association holds its next meeting.