The campaign will clearly set out what police and the public see as acceptable drinking behaviour over the summer months, with forces combating drunken disorder. Trading standards and licensing officers will again be involved, taking action against shops, stores, pubs and clubs selling alcohol to under 18s, as well as bars and clubs that actively promote excessive drinking.

Home Office Minister Liam Byrne announced that all police forces in England & Wales have signed up to the AMEC, which will reinforce on-going specialist operations, including:

• using tough new powers in the Licensing Act 2003 to close premises
• acting irresponsibly;
• issuing fixed penalty notices for alcohol related disorder;
• test purchasing activity to target underage sales;
• early intervention using CCTV to diffuse potential disorder; and
• joined up enforcement action against problem retailers and premises.

The campaign, which runs until 8 June complements a range of initiatives introduced by the Government to tackle problem drinking.

Michael Craik, chief constable of Northumbria police and ACPO lead on alcohol, said, "All police forces across England and Wales will be conducting a co-ordinated crackdown on alcohol-fuelled violence and disorder.

"We will be targeting drunken louts who engage in anti-social behaviour, along with those licensees who promote it with irresponsible drinks promotions and by selling alcohol to people who are under age or already drunk.

"This campaign comes hot on the heels of the successful Christmas AMEC campaign, and will reinforce the message that rowdy, intimidating and violent behaviour will be no more tolerated during the summer months than during the festive season.

"The summer AMEC campaign aims to set the tone for the summer by making it clear that irresponsible and aggressive binge drinking is unacceptable."