POLICE carried out licensing checks over the weekend at 16 nightspots in the Southend area in a bid to stamp out violent and anti-social behaviour.

Insp Bill Potter, of Southend police, said warning letters reminding pubs and clubs of their duty towards drinkers were handed out.

He said: “There has been a slight spike in night-time economy offences over the last six weeks so that’s why we decided to make the visits.

“Generally speaking, most licensed premises were working well and doing what they should be doing.

“What we found were some really minor breaches that have been subject to some warning letters.

“A bit of education and a bit of talking to staff about protecting people from harm was all that was needed.”