Alberta steps in against bar brawls

The Alberta government is spending more than $600,000 in a campaign to stop young men from fighting in and outside nightclubs and bars.

Solicitor General Fred Lindsay announced the new campaign called "CageYour Rage" at a news conference at Tequila Bar and Nightclub on 17th Avenue in downtown Calgary.

Lindsay said the two-monthcampaign will target men between the ages of 18 and 24 and include radio and movie theatreadvertisements, along with posters that will go upin bars and taxis.

"Statistics show that this group is often involved in fighting and that as a group they are fairly heavy drinkers," he said.

"To get the attention of these young men the campaign design is edgy and provocative with a strong message meantto get them thinking."

The advertisements are a send-up of promos forfight matches. One poster reads: "Ultimate Fighting Stupidity. Youvs. the guy who stepped on your toeand has a bat in his truck."

Lindsay said the government is also considering raising the legal drinking age in a bid to curb fighting in bars.