PUB and club owners in Kidderminster are backing West Mercia Police’s Operation Christmas Presence campaign with soft drink promotions for revellers.

Members of Kidderminster Licensees Association (KLA) will be offering cheaper soft drinks in some town centre pubs and clubs over the festive period, with some also offering a free soft drink for designated drivers.

Kidderminster’s Street Pastors will also be out tomorrow night offering free bottled water and helping people to get home.

PC Andy Forbes from the town centre Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “Obviously this time the focus is on the festive season and the licensees are doing their bit to support the force’s Christmas Presence initiative, which is designed to encourage responsible drinking and prevent alcohol fuelled disorder, violence and anti social behaviour.”

As part of the police operation there will be high visibility patrols in the town centre between now and January 2.

PC Forbes added: “While the kind of soft drink and non-alcoholic beer promotions will vary at different establishments, the KLA is keen to enter into the spirit of Operation Christmas Presence by encouraging sensible drinking.

“This is also another opportunity to remind those people going for a night out in Kidderminster of the consequences of consuming too much alcohol and either causing harm to other people or getting involved and ending up on the receiving end of it.

“We want people to be able to go out into the town centre and have a safe and enjoyable time without having their Christmas blighted by the inconsiderate and drunken behaviour of a small minority.

“It’s very easy to have one drink too many and end up separated from friends and feeling vulnerable. We want people to remember their festive celebrations for all the right reasons.”