CHRISTMAS revellers are being urged to reduce their drinking - to avoid being locked up in a cell.
South Yorkshire Police launched its 'Start Thinking, Reduce Your Drinking' campaign in a bid to reduce the traditional increase in anti-social behaviour over the festive period.
It's hoped it will also lead to a decrease in violent crime, domestic abuse and underage drinking.
Officers will be carrying out extra patrols in hotspots known for drunken behaviour and handing out fixed penalty notices.
They will also be on the lookout for pubs, clubs and shops serving alcohol to underage customers.
Businesses which fail twice will face closure.
Superintendent Shaun Morley, South Yorkshire Police's lead officer on alcohol issues, said: "Unfortunately some people take their celebrations to an extreme, putting extra pressure on public services over the holiday period.
"We’re asking the public to help us by knowing their limits, drinking sensibly and not putting themselves in a vulnerable position through excessive consumption of alcohol.
"We see too many cases where a person has had one too many and ended up being arrested for being drunk and disorderly.
"This has resulted in them being convicted which has a huge impact on their lives, because of one drunken night."
