Clubs and pubs have joined forces in a bid to combat drunks and hooligans.

Today sees the launch of Night Safe, a new radio network between night-time venues in Brighton and Hove.

Every member has a radio linked into the CCTV suite at Brighton police station in John Street.

Managers and staff also have access to photographs of known troublemakers.

A total of 15 venues have signed up so far and all others are being encouraged to join.

Night Safe is part of the Violent Crime Strategy for the city, whereby specific troublemakers and incident hot spots, such as West Street, are targeted.

Persistent offenders could become the subject of exclusion orders, banning them from every participating venue in the city.

Clubs and pubs can also apply to courts for anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos) to put further restrictions on offenders, including night curfews.

Already signed up to Night Safe are: Event 2, Ocean Rooms, Concorde 2, Zap Club, Funky Buddha, Arc Bar, The Beach, The Honey Club, Creation, The Standard, Walkabout Inn, The Gloucester, Shark Bar, Tzar Bar and Babalaba.

Lee Simon, managing director of C-Side, which has 25 venues in the city, said: "We want to improve the safety and security of customers on their nights out and we believe this is the way forward.

"If someone is causing problems in one of our members' premises all of the Night Safe network can be alerted to ensure that person is not let in anywhere else."

Jean Smith, the city's Violent Crime Reduction Officer, said: "We are sending a very powerful but simple message with this scheme - have fun and enjoy yourself or risk being excluded from the city for the next 12 months."

Terry Davies, manager of the Business Crime Reduction Partnership, said: "Anti- social behaviour upsets other clubbers as well as the staff in member premises.

"Perpetrators can be in no doubt that we will take definite action against them."

Pubs, clubs and restaurants who would like to join the Night Safe scheme should call Jean Smith on 01273 665563.