Jersey's leading police officer says it is time the island relaxed its drinking laws in an effort to cut crime.

Graham Power, head of the States of Jersey Police, said more flexible licensing laws would combat disorder around pubs and bars.

His comments come as pubs in the UK look set to stay open for 24-hours a day under the biggest shake-up in licensing laws for almost a century.

However, there are no such plans to radically overhaul licensing laws in Jersey.

Majority of arrests

Mr Power said streamlining licensing laws in the island would reduce crime and disorder and cut red tape.

He said that the majority of arrests made for street violence and disorder happen around pub and club closing times.

He said: "I don't want to get into a political argument, but from a policing point of view the evidence is that flexible licensing reduces crime and reduces disorder in the street."

Currently pubs must serve their last drinks at 2300, with 20 minutes drinking-up time.