Representatives from local businesses attended a seminar at the Town Hall aimed at raising standards in the town's venues, promoting responsible drinking and safer socialising.

The seminar, organised by Eastbourne Borough Council, included presentations from the council, police, the fire service and Trading Standards.

Subjects included policing the night time economy, health and safety, underage sales, fire safety and the Licensing Act 2003.

The seminar also launched its initiatives to reduce antisocial behaviour and responsible drinking in the town. This included encouraging licensees to purchase polycarbonate glassware at a reduced price, with Eastbourne's Crime Reduction Partnership part-funding the strategy, to try and reduce glass-related injuries.

In addition, several town centre pubs and clubs were provided with hand held metal detectors, which will be used to try and prevent knives and other offensive weapons being taken into licensed premises.

Kareen Plympton, the council's licensing manager, said, "The seminar is designed to provide those involved in the licensed trade with sources of information, advice and action points and to encourage partnership working to ensure that the town's venues are well managed.

"It's about promoting a vibrant economy, whilst also seeking to ensure that the town's venues are safe, and Eastbourne continues to be a fantastic place to work, visit and live."