The town is ranked second in the region for 'alcohol-related hospital admissions for people aged under 18' and is in the top 10 for drink-related violent offences and the number of women dying from chronic liver disease.

The worrying statistics form part of a report into the impact of alcohol in East Sussex.

It shows as many as 92,000 people in the county - almost one in five - could be classed as 'hazardous drinkers', whose drinking is likely to lead to psychological or physical damage.

But it is the problems Eastbourne has with alcohol misuse that will surprise many.

In addition to its problems with teenage drinkers, the town is ranked eighth in the south east for drink-related violent offences and ninth in the region for women dying from chronic liver disease.

Eastbourne MP Nigel Waterson called the figures 'appalling' and blamed the relaxation of the licensing laws.

He said, "These are appalling figures and they are a direct result of the introduction of 24-hour drinking.

"The government is the only ones who seem to think this has been a success.

"In fact we have seen spiralling violence and anti-social behaviour, a massive strain on police resources and long term health risks for our young people."

Just last month, the La La Lounge, a bar, restaurant and nightclub in Seaside Road, had its licence revoked and was closed down for selling alcohol to underage customers.

Eastbourne Police ran test purchase operations at the club in which, on three occasions, 16-year-olds were served alcopops and beer at the venue.

Chief Inspector Dick Coates said his officers would continue to take a 'robust stance' on teenage drinkers.

He said, "Eastbourne Police take a very robust stance on any licensed premises selling alcohol to people underage or who are drunk.

"A recent closure of a licensed premises was partly due to test purchase operations carried out by police around underage sales.

"Operation Blitz is conducted within the town and this targets anti-social behaviour and underage drinking.

"Parents of all people caught with alcohol underage are contacted and any persons who need assistance are directed to the appropriate alcohol misuse service."

The county council report said local primary care trusts (PCTs) would need to find an extra £1.2 million over the next three years to roll-out specialist services.

But it insisted this 'invest to save' strategy would see the burden on the health service reduced once drink-related incidents are cut.

It said, "There is a gap of £1.2 million between the resource currently allocated to specialist alcohol services and the estimated cost of implementing the service model across East Sussex.

"Investing in alcohol treatment is an 'invest to save' strategy. Reducing alcohol misuse will reduce health costs across emergency and elective care."

Binge drinking among both teens and adults caused problems for DGH staff during New Year festivities when more than 140 people were admitted to A&E, most with cuts, bruises and other injuries. Alcohol poisoning was also a factor.