People are to get their say on plans to curb drinking hours in Norwich, which police hope will stem an increase in violence in the early hours.

People are to get a say on whether a new measure should be introduced to curb drinking hours across the city.

Norfolk police, concerned that extended opening by bars and clubs has led crime beyond 3am to go up, had asked Norwich City Council to use new powers to control when they can serve alcohol.

Two options have been put forward.

One would see the sale of alcohol in Norwich banned between 3am and 6am every day, with the exception of the area designated as the late-night activity zone, chiefly Prince of Wales Road and Tombland. In that area the sale of alcohol would be banned between 3am and 6am Monday to Friday and from 4am and 6am at weekends.

The second proposal would stop alcohol sales between 2.30am and 6am, apart from in the late-night activity zone, where the sale would be banned between 3am and 6am Monday to Friday and from 3.30am to 6am at weekends.

Bars and clubs in Prince of Wales Road have already voluntarily agreed to stop serving alcohol after 4am, but the police want to make it more official.

At a meeting in November, the council agreed to ask the public for their views.

That consultation is set to start in the months ahead.

Keith Driver, cabinet member for licensing at the city council, said the form of it was still being ironed out.

He said: “Once we arrive at that point we’d very much welcome residents’ views on the options available, so people can continue to enjoy a night out in Norwich, while allowing the police to maintain public safety and prevent disorder.”