Police in Sunderland have condemned a cut-price drink war between bars in the area that includes offers of free drinks for customers who pay a £10 entrance fee.
Senior officers are worried the promotions will lead to binge-drinking and an increase in drunken disorder.
But licensees say they have been forced to cut prices to compete.
Annabels bar, which is in the city centre, is promoting a £10 "drink all night for free" offer every Thursday night.
Managers of the bar, which is owned by Lazi Leisure, say they have been forced to cut prices due to offers from rivals. Offers in other bars include "all drinks £1" and bottles of lager selling at only 70p.
Publicans have blamed the promotions on the increase in pubs and clubs in Sunderland city centre, which attracts around 20,000 revellers each weekend evening and currently has 55 bars. Despite objections from police, a further six have been given licences, including a 2,000-capacity club.
Claire Burton, who is a manager for Lazi Leisure and is also chairman of Sunderland Pubwatch, said: "We would far rather charge full price for drinks all the time. But we have no choice but to compete."
Chief Insp John Brady said: "We have a good relationship with licensees and we don't want to be killjoys but I think this is irresponsible. It's going to attract the wrong type of people and could lead to binge drinking.
"We will be monitoring the situation to see if there is an increase in crime and disorder."
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