Camden’s boys in blue are delivering a different kind of Christmas card this year to unruly revellers.

Police officers have been given the power to issue a “red card” to ban pub-goers and clubbers from the borough should their festive fun get out of hand.

The orders, issued under the Violent Crime Reduction Act, allow police to order party-goers of 16 and older to leave Camden for up to 48 hours.

Almost 50 per cent of all violent offences in Camden are fuelled by drink.

Borough Commander Richard Tucker said: “Come and enjoy, safely and responsibly, what Camden has to offer the festive party goer.

“However, be warned, that the police will have a zero tolerance approach this year to alcohol-related crime and disorder.

“If my officers have reason to suspect that a person is likely to cause or contribute to crime or disorder due to alcohol, they will be told to leave the area, or face the prospect of arrest.”

Last weekend, 26 tickets were issued in Camden.

A person who refuses to leave or is found in breach of the order could be arrested and fined up to �2,500.