The campaign will last for eight weeks

Bridgend, Cardiff and Swansea are among 77 towns and cities across Wales and England involved in the campaign.

People who sell alcohol to under-18s, and bars and clubs accused of promoting drunkenness and drink-related violence will be targeted.

The two Welsh forces involved are Dyfed-Powys and South Wales.

But the plans - put forward by the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) - have already attracted some criticism.

Dyfed-Powys chief constable Terry Grange has accused the UK government of a "knee-jerk" response to binge drinking, while letting bars open 24 hours a day.

We are working closely with the police, drinks industry and local councils to reclaim our town and city centres for decent, law abiding citizens Hazel Blears

Mr Grange blamed ministers for failing to plan a long-term response to alcohol abuse, "hypocritical" licensees and parents who taught their children how to drink too much.

Sting operations

The campaign, which is launched on Thursday, will use tough enforcement measures to take action against those who buy and sell alcohol.

The powers they will use will include closing 'rowdy' premises for 24 hours and issuing �40 fixed penalty notices for being drunk and disorderly.

Under-18s will also be used for sting operations in off-licences, supermarkets, bars and clubs. There will also be "naming and shaming" of bars and clubs after conviction.

The aim of the eight-week campaign, according to Home Office Minister Hazel Blears, is to create a society where it is less acceptable to get drunk and behave in an anti-social or violent manner.

"We're aiming to kick start a culture change where it will be less accepted by society for young men and women to go out and drink until they can't remember who they are, to start fights in taxi queues, and cause violent, drink-fuelled scenes," she said.

"We are working closely with the police, drinks industry and local councils to reclaim our town and city centres for decent, law-abiding citizens."