POLICE are hoping New Year celebrations go with a swing - but that high spirits do not turn the atmosphere sour as the Millennium arrives.

Publicans have been given special licences for the year 2000 festivities, effectively allowing them to open for 36 hours if they wish.

But licensing chiefs are concerned about a "drink as much as you can" culture if bars adopt all-inclusive entrance fees whereby alcohol will be free once revellers have paid to get in.

This would effectively result in unlimited alcohol being availale and there are fears that it will encourage drunkenness and public disorder.

Police accept that traditionally, ticket arrangements are customary at New Year - but they want to avoid people drinking to excess to "get their money's worth".

Insp Alan Holt, Warrington Police's operational head, has met with landlords and is satisfied that pubs and clubs are not considering that alternative.

But the force has been given powers to close down premises at 11pm on the Millennium Eve if licensing breaches are thought to have occurred.

An estimated 15,000 people are expected to arrive in the town centre for the end-of-the-century revels.

Insp Holt said: "The problem with all-inclusive licenses is that you are encouraging people to drink.

"And while the overwhelming majority will drink in moderation, there is always the minority who cannot control how much they have."

Youngsters hoping to take advantage of the party mood are being advised to stay at home as a repeat of Operation Wasted is being planned. This operation will target under age drinkers and ensure they are barred from town centre pubs.

The town's closed circuit security system is expected to come to the fore when the bars close, with a considerable uniformed police presence proposed for the Millennium Eve and New Year's Day nights.

Added Insp Holt: "Generally Warrington is a safe place to enjoy a night out but we want a clear understanding that if people step out of line, they will be dealt with appropriately."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.