THE festive party season is getting under way with less than three weeks until Christmas Day.

But there are real fears that more and more people, often looking to save cash, are getting very drunk at home before heading out for celebrations.

The fears are so strong that in Accrington the PubWatch scheme will ban any misbehaving reveller from bars until after New Year.

The Safer Lancashire Partnership said as many as 60 per cent of under 35s will be drinking to excess before leaving home on nights out this month.

Their concerns are not about stopping people from having a good time.

But the chaos caused by extremely drunk people in our town centres in the run-up to Christmas will leave many with a headache, and not just because of the booze.

Businesses, health services and other people trying to have a good time will also suffer the consequences.

For many people 2011 has been a tough year and Christmas and New Year is a time to let your hair down.

But that is no excuse for violent and criminal behaviour after extreme drinking.