PUB and club licensees may be asked to make a contribution towards the cost of policing Bolton's town centre streets.

Discussions have taken place, with police chiefs believing licensees should pay towards the policing of drink-fuelled incidents involving revellers leaving pubs, clubs and restaurants.

Supt Simon Barraclough, of Bolton Central Police, said he was keen to explore the idea. Policing costs were high and it was only "fair" these businesses should make a contribution.

He said: "There are no firm plans, but it is something we would be keen to explore. It takes a large chunk of policing to watch the streets when people are coming out of pubs and clubs, causing disturbances.

"Pubs and clubs are taking in a lot of cash -- almost at the public's expense for the amount of policing which we have to provide."

Trouble in the town centre took officers away from other areas, where they could be needed to deal with crimes such burglaries and robberies.

The idea is already being considered in other parts of the country. In Nottingham, Chief Constable Steve Green is to ask city centre pubs and clubs to pay a direct "tax" to the police to help curb street violence.

The idea is due to be discussed in Bolton at a licensed premises meeting, but not all licensees are keen on it.

Denise McLoughlin, manager at Corks, said: "I do not think it would be fair. We already have to pay for our own door control. If we had to pay for the police as well, it would be like paying double."

John Jewitt, landlord of the Olde Man and Scythe in Churchgate, said: "I think this would be resisted very heavily by everyone in the town."