A leading police officer warned today that more needs to be done to curb drink-fuelled violence.

Sussex Police released new figures this week showing a drop in alcohol related crime since the introduction of round-the-clock drinking.

Assistant Chief Constable Jeremy Paine welcomed the decrease in violence and public nuisance.

However, he said more needed to be done to reverse the problems of binge drinking.

Mr Paine said: "This is positive news and shows the robust stance we have been taking across Sussex with irresponsible drinkers and licensed premises has worked well.

"We all still have a long way to go as binge drinking is a national phenomenon which requires a cultural shift.

"We all have a responsibility to try to tackle it.

"Antisocial behaviour associated with drinking, particularly amongst the young, is very damaging and remains a significant issue."

Almost 1,000 fewer people have been injured as a result of violence in public places since changes to the legislation on November 24, 2005, according to police.

East Sussex had 400 fewer reported victims of alcohol-related violence and Brighton and West Sussex both had a reduction of 292 incidents.

Mr Paine said concerns over 24-hour licensing had not materialised because of the force's "robust response" to the new regulations.

Policing measures used during the past 12 months have included officers and Trading Standards targeting off-licences to prevent under-age alcohol sales and more on-the-spot penalties for offences like being drunk in a public place.

Mr Paine also praised the Best Bar None award scheme, sponsored by The Argus, which aims to reward pubs, bars and clubs for good management.

Coun Jeane Lepper, chair of the council's licensing committee, said: "I am not surprised there has been a reduction since the licensing laws changed.

"The council now has more powers to control who gets a licence and we are able to take into account people's opinions and concerns."

She said clubs with 24-hour licences often did not stay open round the clock and she added: "The staggered closing times have helped police manage those leaving pubs and clubs, rather than there being one time when everyone leaves together."