EVERY area famous for its nightlife attracts its fair share of truculent punters and Birmingham's gleaming Broad Street is no exception.
Take last night when a Glaswegian famous for tough-talking and somewhat uncompromising demeanour strode along the Golden Mile accosting revellers and bar staff.
But Home Secretary John Reid was not there to sample the heady pleasures of its clubs, pubs or restaurants but to check out how businesses and police ensure that Broad Street has become a relatively trouble-free area.
He came away very impressed - and rightly so.
High-visibility police patrol, taxi marshalls, a ban on alcohol in the street and an end to cheap drink promotions have helped.
A 27 per cent reduction in the number of alcohol-related incidents since licensing laws were relaxed is proof of the success.
We are glad Mr Reid walked away pleased by what he saw.
The alternative would be too alarming to contemplate!