Police to mingle with drinkers

UNDERCOVER cops will be operating in town centre pubs and clubs this summer as part of a new crackdown on alcohol-fuelled violence.

Police in Newcastle have announced the start of Operation Nerve – a multi-pronged strategy, in effect from now until the end of September, aimed at reducing incidents of violence caused by excess alcohol.

Part of the operation, which is being supported by Newcastle Borough Council, will involve plain clothes officers mingling with revellers in order to spot breaches of the Licensing Act and other crimes.

While licensees will be aware undercover police are operating on their premises, they will not know the officers' identity.

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