Drinkers who misbehave over the Christmas period could be barred from pubs and clubs for up to two years, Kidderminster police say.

Officers intend to apply to the courts for exclusion orders in certain cases.

The orders can be used to prevent individuals from going to specific public places for as long as two years.

Police say the measures would be used in addition to criminal prosecutions.

Inspector Mark Steele, from West Mercia Police, said: "We are here to protect licensees, their staff and customers from violent behaviour.

"This additional action will exclude troublemakers in the future."

Dave Hipkiss, from the Kidderminster Licensees' Association, supports the measures.

"We warmly welcome any action that the police and courts take to improve safety in our premises", he said.