INCREASED efforts to crack down on antisocial and drunken behaviour in York city centre are being launched on Saturday.

Every Saturday throughout September, council and police officers will patrol the streets to try to enforce the Alcohol Restriction Zone (ARZ), while also urging visitors to respect the city and enjoy themselves responsibly.

Following Operation Erase, which ran throughout the summer, North Yorkshire Police, City of York Council and British Transport Police have joined forces with train operating companies, York Racecourse and city centre licensed premises, as well as Make It York and the proposed York Bid to improve the city centre for visitors and residents.

The scheme, labelled 'Had Enough' by the council, is similar to Operation Erase, but involves more partner agencies and a new Code Of Conduct which will be displayed in all licensed premises, instructing visitors on behaviour which will not be accepted.

Inspector Andy Godfrey, of York Police, said: “This campaign is part of our ongoing commitment to working in partnership to tackle alcohol-related antisocial behaviour. York is a very safe city, but people do need to understand the effects of their alcohol consumption, particularly on their behaviour and its impact on others."

Councillor David Carr, executive member for housing and safer neighbourhoods at the council, said: "We always have and always will welcome everyone who wants to enjoy our city responsibly and behave appropriately to their surroundings. But we have had enough of the small minority who do not.

"They will find that a new and heightened level of action by a partnership of enforcement agencies will be taken against them. If they abuse the city’s hospitality with offensive or intimidating behaviour they could be ordered to leave York, refused rail travel or get a fine or a criminal record."

Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, said she also backed the scheme, as "alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour is a real cause for concern for residents and visitors".

Chief Superintendent Peter Holden of British Transport Police, said: "Trains and stations are not extensions of bars and clubs, they are used by everyone including families, young people and the elderly.

"Other passengers do not want to travel and be subjected to the often intimidating behaviour of others under the influence of alcohol. We want people to behave appropriately and responsibly on board and consider other passengers and treat them with respect.

"When they don't, we will step in. This is not about trying to spoil people’s fun or ruining their day out. It’s about educating people to be aware of their alcohol consumption and their behaviour when around other passengers."

Insp Godfrey said: "We want everyone to be able to enjoy their time in the city centre. We will ensure people are aware of the standards of behaviour we expect of them. Anyone whose behaviour falls below that standard will be dealt with firmly, including the use of dispersal powers to remove them from the city centre."