Pubs and clubs that serve booze to under-age drinkers should be shut down for at least a week at a time, council chiefs have told the Government.

New measures before Parliament will give police the power to order the temporary closure of licensed premises for up to 48 hours if they are caught selling alcohol to under-18s.

But Brighton and Hove City Council has written to Government officials telling them the punishment will not work unless it is extended to at least seven days.

In its response to a Government consultation on antisocial drinking, the council also argues premises should prove they have learned from their mistakes before being allowed to reopen.

The council also wants a three-strikes rule for the new power to kick in.

It said: "It was felt three or more sales to purchasers under-age, or three or more fixed penalties, would be a suitable trigger. This could also be linked to lack of procedures and training, non-co-operation, breaches of other legislation and/or poor management within any premises."

The comments are in a response to measures in the Violent Crime Reduction Bill, currently before MPs, submitted by the council's assistant director, public safety, Judith Macho.

The Bill also contains plans for the creation of new alcohol disorder zones in areas with a history of drink-fuelled violence.

Within the problem zones, licensed premises will be required to contribute a flat-rate fee towards the costs of cleaning up after drunken yobs and extra policing.

Brighton and Hove council chiefs believe the blanket levy should cover off-licences as well as pubs, clubs and restaurants that serve alcohol. They are also calling for additional financial penalties for establishments particularly responsible for antisocial behaviour.

Colin Millham, landlord of the King's Arms in George Street, Brighton, and chairman of the Sussex Society of Licensed Victuallers, said the police were getting too heavy-handed.

He said: "This is one more move towards a 1984-type police state. They seem to want to constantly introduce new rules and regulations. Publicans try to be as vigilant as they can but it is very difficult sometimes to know how old people are and under-18s will always manage to buy alcohol somewhere."