As part of Operation Unite, which targeted drunken violence and anti-social behaviour, 278 police officers attended the state’s booze ‘‘hot-spots’’.

“Police arrested more than 70 people for charges including obstructing police, possessing a dangerous drug and possessing a weapon in public,” Deputy Commissioner Ross Barnett said.

Police also tipped out 152 bottles or containers of open liquor in public places.

Mr Barnett said the community should consider the consequences of drunken behaviour in public.

“The operation is not about ruining anyone’s fun but instead it is focused on cracking down on alcohol misuse, violence and anti-social behaviour which affects the entire community,’’ he said.

“The aim is to make everyone feel safer and more secure while enjoying time with family and friends across the Easter long weekend.”

On the roads, there were 2672 random breath tests conducted on Thursday night, with 18 failing their breath tests.

“The community is disappointed in the minority of people who drink to excess and then engage in anti-social behaviour like fighting or getting behind the wheel of a car,” Mr Barnett said.

“Unite continues this evening and will conclude on Monday.”

All up, since the start of the Easter road safety campaign on Thursday, 52 drivers have been charged with drink driving after police conducted 11,033 roadside tests.

A total of 3388 drivers have been detected speeding so far this Easter, with the highest speed being 165km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Pacific Motorway at Ormeau.

Thirty-eight seatbelt offences have been recorded, while an even 100 people were caught using their mobile phones while driving.

The state-wide Easter road campaign targeted the so-called ‘‘fatal five’’ – speeding, fatigue, impaired driving through drinking and drugs, failure to wear a seatbelt and distraction.