WE have heard it all now. Apparently a Bolton bar, in order to combat late night violence, will be offering drinkers hot buttered toast at closing time.

The toast idea is part of a drinks promotion at the bar New York New York on a Friday night.

The bar manager says it will encourage better behaviour because, if people who have something in their mouth, they will not be able to shout when they leave and the toast will presumably help soak up some of the excess alcohol.

This follows on from police handing out lollipops to revellers during the festive period in a bid to reduce rowdiness in the town centre.

The idea sounds bizarre in the extreme and we doubt if handing out buttered toast will really make those intent on fighting think any differently.

But if it really does reduce trouble then perhaps other bars will have to buy toasters!