FIGURES released by Kent Police show that there has been a 10 per cent increase in violent offences in or around licensed premises at night during the first year of the new licensing laws.

It represents around three per cent of all offences of violence recorded by police in the county.

Police say there has also been a six per cent rise in the number of alcohol-related arrests in the last year.

Assistant Chief Constable Adrian Leppard said: "While our figures for the first few months after the change in licensing laws showed the number of violent offences in licensed premises had increased by nearly a quarter, from the first year’s indicative figures we can see that the rate of increase has fallen markedly.

"The partnerships we have with the licensed trade, local authorities and other agencies, along with regular police patrols and proactive operations have had an effect in keeping our town centres and nightspots safe places to go out and socialise.

"I am confident that people who enjoy nightlife in Kent will continue to feel safe when they go out."

There are a number of initiatives operating across the county.

A Night Safe radio network in the Mid Kent area allows a direct link between landlords, police and the CCTV control room.

A 'Walk Away' marketing campaign in Maidstone was an attempt to deter young people from binge drinking.

Police and licensees in Dover launched a 'three strikes' scheme as the new licensing laws took effect, and one year on, more than 200 people who were arrested on suspicion of alcohol-related offences have been issued with a yellow card warning. Of those, 12 people have been banned from pubs and clubs for 12 months.

Folkestone was one of the first towns in the country to get going with the Safer Socialising Award in a partnership with Kent Police and the town's crime reduction partners.

Dartford has a 'Grab-a-Cab' dispersal scheme that helps people get proper transport, while also protecting cab drivers, who are paid up front and don’t accept passengers with food or alcohol.

And Ashford has run a campaign to help prevent drink spiking and raise awareness among drinkers.