DRUNKEN louts and reckless landlords will be targeted as part of new Government campaign to tackle alcohol related trouble.

The Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign sets out what the police see as acceptable drinking behaviour over the summer months.

Trading standards and licensing officers will be involved, taking action against shops, stores, pubs and clubs selling alcohol to under 18s, as well as bars and clubs which actively promote drinking too much.

Peter Vaughan, the Assistant Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, said that the effects of the campaign would be felt all across the county.

"Excessive drinking can wreck lives, and Wiltshire Police will be playing a fulsome part in this campaign in towns and villages throughout Wiltshire during the coming month," he said.

"Numerous local action plans have been draw up to target those who drink to excess and who indulge in disorderly behaviour and commit crime.

"Every section of society suffers the consequences of those who drink alcohol to excess and, in partnership with other agencies, we will be enforcing the law to ensure the safety and quality of life for everyone."

Home Office Minister Liam Byrne said that the police would be reinforcing existing powers.

Those include closing premises that act irresponsibly.

Swindon police are finalising details of how it will be joining in the campaign this month.

Last week the Adver revealed that the police have introduced a dispersal order for the entire town centre because of problems with drunks.

Sergeant Nigel Kinderman said that the police were trying to work with licensees to sort out the problems. But he warned that the police and the council would not hesitate to use their full powers if the problems persist.

The police will continue issuing fixed penalty notices for alcohol-related disorder, and they will be sending youngsters into premises to test the staff.

The new campaign runs through the summer months.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said: "This campaign is the next chapter in our drive to crack down on alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder.

"Thanks to the new licensing laws, the police now have tougher powers than ever before to deal with the minority of drunken revellers and rogue licensees that act irresponsibly.

"I expect to see them continuing to use these powers in this latest crackdown."