End the Carnage

Even though last October's inaugural drinking marathon, which attracted 2,000 revellers, ended with the prosecution of student Philip Laing for urinating on a war memorial, the organisers have taken no heed of the comments of District Judge Anthony Browne when he passed sentence on the disgraced 19-year-old.

Saying Britain's drinking culture needed tackling, he also told the shamed student: "Carnage was the name of the organisation that promote this type of activity and some might say someone should be standing alongside you."

Some sensible student unions, such as those at York's two universities, have successfully distanced themselves from this outfit. They've said they don't want to be left to deal with all the problems created by

binge drinking on such a massive scale, a responsible stance which should be applauded.

Contrast this with Sheffield where extra police will, inevitably, be required to monitor the conduct of those who have drunk to excess – and are incapable of looking after themselves.

This is not harmless entertainment. It's a public nuisance, and should be treated as such.