Sales of super-strength alcohol could be restricted if a new voluntary scheme is approved.

Licensing and trading standards officers at Brighton and Hove City Council are working with Sussex Police to develop the Sensible on Strength scheme, which will aim to encourage licensed businesses to voluntarily stop selling beer, lager and cider above 6% alcohol by volume.

Good practice measures including a refusals system, CCTV and documented training will also be put into place.

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The scheme would also be used to promote the four licensing objectives in Brighton and Hove including prevention of crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance, public safety and protection of children from harm.

Chief Inspector Simon Nelson said: “We know that super-strength alcohol is brought with the sole intention of getting drunk fast and this has a profound effect on both the community and those who are alcohol dependent.

“A vast majority of licensed traders in the city work closely with us to run lawful, successful businesses but we all need to recognise that super-strength products have no part to play within responsible trading.

“We ask that all of the off-licenses work closely with us to do what is best for our communities, particularly the vulnerable, who count on us to do the right thing.”

The government’s daily recommended safe alcohol limit is between two to three units for women and four units for men.

However, a single 500ml can of 9% lager contains four-and-a-half units of alcohol.

Sales of super-strength alcohol have been known to cause problems for street drinkers.

In August, an off-licence had its licence revoked by the council following representations from the local community for systematically selling extremely strong alcohol to street drinkers.

Councillor Stephanie Powell, chairman of the city’s Licensing Committee, is asking for a proposal to be brought to the next Licensing Committee on November 21.

If it is agreed, the scheme will be launched shortly afterwards.

Councillor Powell said: “We have been working on this scheme for some time though our licensing activities and contact with residents, the police, businesses and councillors.

“Over the summer our officers talked to local businesses and more than 60 have already volunteered to take super-strength alcohol off their shelves, which is very encouraging.”