STUDENTS are going to be encouraged to drink less alcohol to reduce crime and disruption to their neighbourhoods.

The University of Brighton has been chosen to test out new ways of encouraging responsible drinking.

Organisers of the project said that up to 95% of violent crime at universities is linked to alcohol consumption.

Alcohol Impact is a National Union of Students-led initiative, backed by the Government, which could see commercial pub crawls – such as Carnage – banned from advertising on campus.

Researchers said that male students drank on average 18 units of booze on a Carnage night out – female students 13 – equivalent to more than four times the recommended daily amount.

Initiation ceremonies for sports clubs should also be banned under the scheme.

Residents living near the university’s campuses and halls of residence will also be involved and project organisers will attend community forums and liaise with local health services and police to reduce drink-related antisocial behaviour.

Union run bars will have to offer attractive non-alcoholic drinks at lower prices than alcoholic drinks.

The project will also offer counselling services and encourage university bars not to serve already intoxicated customers.

If the project is successful, it could be rolled out to all universities across the country.

Vice-chancellor Julian Crampton said: “Drinking to excess is an extremely serious issue. It touches the lives of many individuals and families, and impacts on the work of hospitals, emergency services and society as a whole.

“The majority of students act sensibly but anything that reinforces the message of responsible drinking is something we would encourage.”

Police and Crime Minister Norman Baker will visit the university today to hear more about the project.

Mr Baker, MP for Lewes, said: “Binge-drinking at universities is nothing new, but that doesn’t mean it is a good idea.

“Some students find themselves encouraged to participate in alcohol-fuelled activities, which can damage health and in some cases spill over into disorder and antisocial behaviour.

“The NUS Alcohol Impact project, backed by the Home Office, will help encourage responsible drinking, leading to safer and more productive places to study and live.”