Sitting at Mold Crown Court, Judge Huw Daniel said if alcohol prices were doubled there would be less drunken violence on the streets.

He was speaking on Monday as he adjourned a case of street violence.

Last week plans to make pubs and clubs pay for policing operations needed to keep rowdy customers under control were criticised by landlords in Cardiff.

"It would be a good idea if licensed premises had a special tax placed upon them," said Judge Daniel.

"It is the booze they dish out that actually causes people to lose their tempers more easily than they would otherwise, it seems to me."

Doubling the prices would mean a lot less drunkenness and a lot less violence on the streets Judge Huw Daniel

Licensed premises currently pay the ordinary council tax but this would be increased under the north Wales judge's proposal.

Barrister Richard Mullen said that if such a tax was introduced, the price of a glass of chardonnay would increase substantially.

Judge Daniel said that no doubt it would, but perhaps prices could be doubled after 2300BST.

"Doubling the prices would mean a lot less drunkenness and a lot less violence on the streets," he added.

Last week, Nick Newman, vice chairman of Cardiff Licensees Forum, said the industry already contributed around �21bn to the exchequer in taxes.

He said pubs and clubs in the Welsh capital had already been active in reducing incidents of alcohol-related violence associated with binge drinking.