Last Friday I went for a late night walkabout with Sussex Police licensing team around the streets of Brighton with close colleague and Green Councillor Pete West.

It was an illuminating experience, and I met a wide range of people - most of them entirely sober! The work the team do is great, and I'm sure they would be the first to admit that the circumstances can be challenging.

I was particularly impressed by the relationship they have with the different clubs across the city, and by the way they share info and intelligence about any upcoming problems.

There are a lot of problems with licensing and with alcohol in the city centre, and I am convinced the council should be working harder to prevent more and more 'booze shops' opening up.

I've met a number of residents who are concerned about noise late at night, their safety and some who simply feel vulnerable walking through the city after dark.

I'm not saying we should stop people drinking - a glass of wine after a long day is often much appreciated! - but there is a balance to be had.

Since the introduction of 24 hour drinking, in the last few years domestic violence has risen by fifty per cent.

There are more and more children suffering alcohol related health problems.

There has been a thirty per cent rise in alcohol related hospital admissions.

And we are seeing more binge drinking, not less.

Greens locally have won support in council for a new 'Scores on the Doors' scheme for pubs, bars and off licences in Brighton, which will enable the council to reward best practice, such as implementing the 'Challenge 25' policy and not selling alcohol at less than cost price.

As well as going round with the police, I met the team who run Safe Space - a truly wonderful initiative which provides a support, first aid and a safe place in the centre of town for those who have drunk too much, become injured or vulnerable.It helps people who have lost their friends to get home safely, and reduces pressure on A&E services.

Like most mums, I often worry about about my children's safety. But having met the response team and the lovely people at Safe Space, I hope that when my sons are old enough to go out to clubs and bars in Brighton, these services will still be going - and then maybe I'll worry slightly less!

Thanks to Chris Giles for the photographs.