Officers labelled the idea "irresponsible" saying it could lead to increased drunkenness and disorder in a popular drinking area.

Bosses at the New Alma pub, formerly the Brewer and Firkin, in Whitby Street, had intended to run a promotion which allowed drinkers to buy as many shots as they liked for 5p each whenever a DJ plays a song by the boyband 5ive.

For the duration of the song, revellers could have been walking away from the bar with armfuls of the shots and shooters, such as vodka, Corky's and Mickey Finn liquor, which are usually downed in one go.

But police in Hartlepool quickly warned pub licensee George Stuart to shelve the idea.

Mr Stuart has now admitted the offer would have been irresponsible and has taken heed of the police's advice.

Inspector Tony Green, of Hartlepool Police, slammed the promotion as "irresponsible" and having "a total disregard for licensing objectives", such as the prevention of public order.

Insp Green, who is head of licensing in Hartlepool, said: "Drinks promotions which allow the sale of hard liquor at 5p a shot are totally irresponsible. The police have taken action to prevent this promotion going ahead in the interests of public safety and public order.

"The police, in partnership with the Hartlepool Licensees Association and the various door supervising companies have worked very hard to provide as far as possible a responsible, safe drinking environment.

"New promotions like this undermine those efforts.

"I am sure that all responsible licensees would agree that initiatives like this are totally counter-productive.

"I have spoken to the licensee and he has agreed not to go ahead with this aspect of his promotion."

Mr Stuart said: "I have taken advice from various sources and the offer has proved not to be the most responsible act.

"That being the case, we are not going ahead with it.

"After careful consideration of its effects, we have decided against the promotion."