The Portman Group, which represents drinks producers, said its members were "determined" to be effective partners with the government in tackling public drunkenness.

BBC: Tyne & Wear

As well as tackling violent crime, the troops will support police and community groups to deter offences such as street drug-dealing and public drunkenness.

BBC: Chavez deploys troops to fight Venezuela crime wave

Meetings are open to men above the age of 15 or 16, regardless of ethnicity, religion or status, with the basic requirement that members be of honest families, be trustworthy and respectful of their elders, and not gamble or display public drunkenness.

UNESCO: Culture

When Kevin Rudd admitted to public drunkenness at a strip club in New York - which was probably the first time most people around the world first got to hear about him - he was in the company of Col Allan, the Australian editor of the Murdoch-owned New York Post.

BBC: Murdoch in Australia: The fallout

Among the arrests, 17 were for assault, 17 for drunkenness and 16 for public order offences, police said.

BBC: London New Year celebrations: 77 arrested