Troublemakers in Kidderminster will be given “red cards” and banned from pubs in the town in a new bid to crackdown on drink-fuelled crime.

Police will be using the new football-style warning system with the backing of the reformed Kidderminster Licensees Association.

Thirteen pubs and clubs in and around the town centre have signed up to the KLA and are determined to show a united front in weeding out the minority causing problems.

Under the three strikes scheme anyone causing a nuisance or committing an offence after they have been drinking will be issued by police with a yellow card.

They will be warned that they risk a six-month ban from all licensed premises taking part in the scheme if they are dealt with again for alcohol-related violence or anti-social behaviour within three months – strike two.

They will receive further advice about alcohol abuse and a final warning that they risk receiving an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) if they offend again.

If they are dealt with for a third time then under strike three they will be targeted for either a post-conviction ASBO or full ASBO with conditions attached.

Chairman Mark Carter said: “Our main aim is to make it a safer environment for people to come out and enjoy themselves.”