Police in Gloucestershire are piloting an innovative computer system designed to tackle the problem of alcohol-fuelled violence as new licensing laws come into force.

The Inn Keeper system combines the administrative needs of licensing with a powerful intelligence capability that delivers information on alcohol-related crime and disorder.

It will enable the Gloucestershire Constabulary to deal with the expected flood of new applications from pubs, clubs and other businesses as a result of changes to the licensing laws in England and Wales.

Developed by Bristol-based WPC Software, Inn Keeper is designed to help police identify problem premises and patterns of disorder much more quickly, thereby improving efficiency and reducing administrative effort and routine tasks.

All information related to licensed premises, including incidents of alcohol-related violence and disorder and visits by police, under-age or after hours drinking, and other breaches of licensing conditions, is recorded on the database.

Officers will also be able to input information required under the updated Licensing Act 2003, which is being phased in from February 7, such as information on alcohol and non-alcohol operating hours, and details about premises including the location of fire exits and crowd capacity. The Act includes plans to allow pubs and bars to stay open longer, and to combine alcohol and entertainment licences into one single licence.

Paul Francis, Gloucestershire Constabulary's Crime Reduction Officer, said: "Inn Keeper gives us an instant picture of problem areas and premises so it will be an important tool in the fight against alcohol-related disorder. The database also provides us with the information we need to oppose applications if we believe the number of licensed premises in a particular area has reached saturation point.

"But the new Act covers more than just liquor licensing; other establishments, such as fast-food outlets serving hot food after 11pm, are also included. This means there will be many more applications being processed so having up-to-date information instantly available through Inn Keeper will be crucial."