In response to Mr Booker's complaints about policing in Brighton (Letters, January 12), keeping the peace on football days is carefully planned and we do all we can to keep it proportionate.

In 2004, after the Leeds match, the city experienced mindless violence. I am determined this doesn't blight us again.

Knowing who is coming to the city and how they will behave is not a precise science, so, on everyone's behalf, I will do what is necessary to keep the upper hand. Of course, the vast majority are peaceful, genuine fans who come to enjoy the game.

The question of policing in the city centre on Friday and Saturday nights is also important. Brighton is seen as a party town, with more than 1,000 licensed premises.

We have worked hard to encourage responsible behaviour and drinking, which has involved working with Brighton and Hove City Council, licensed premises and having a large police presence.

Drunken, anti-social behaviour is unacceptable but, sadly it is inevitable some people will drink too much and lose control.

It is for everyone to articulate what sort of city we want and to make it happen.

I'm not advocating a club-free city but the balance is weighted too far towards heavy drinking.

A broader range of evening entertainment, for residents of every age, would be better.

A significant proportion of resources are used to police Friday and Saturday nights.

-Chief supt Jeremy Paine, divisional commander, Brighton and Hove Police