John Dixon, head of West Sussex social services, has backed the report, published on Monday by the Association of Directors of Social Services.

Mr Dixon, a member of the association, said drink had largely been neglected in initiatives to tackle crime.

The report says extra buses would cut the amount of trouble caused by drunken revellers.

You are never going to stop all crime or stop people enjoying themselves, that's the last thing we want to do John Dixon, head of West Sussex social services

"There are huge concerns about the crime implications of alcohol, particularly in city centres," he said.

He said a levy on each nightclub could help pay for extra public transport or pay for a dedicated service.

"We haven't yet put a figure on what the levy could be, of course, it would depend on the number of people involved and the costs of laying on the transport."

Mr Dixon said there was no guarantee that clubbers would not fight on the buses rather than on the streets.

Spy cameras

"There is always a risk of disorder with alcohol. It's a question of how you reduce that risk," he said.

"You are never going to stop all crime or stop people enjoying themselves, that's the last thing we want to do.

"It is a question of better co-operation between the local authorities and club owners to ensure the area is safe and well policed."

The report also recommends wider use of CCTV cameras and higher visibility policing to deter drink-related crime.