TOWN chiefs have asked Ipswich's pubs to close for two hours on Friday to give Christmas revellers the chance to 'cool off'.
TOWN chiefs have asked Ipswich's pubs to close for two hours on Friday to give Christmas revellers the chance to 'cool off'.
Ipswich Borough Council, police and members of the town's Pubwatch scheme want hostelries to close between 5pm and 7pm.
The request, which also is also made for New Year's Eve, allows bar staff a much-needed break and will encourage more responsible drinking, the council said.
It will also allow council staff time to clean up the town centre.
It is expected that the town will be busy on both days with people starting their celebrations much earlier in the day.
The closure has happened in previous years and the council felt that it worked well.
The council and police will also be working with pubs to stamp out the sale of alcohol to underage and drunk people.
A council spokesman said: “The clear message to licensees and shop-owners is 'Be vigilant and help us to keep Ipswich safe'.
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