Fairfax cops hit bars to cite suspected drunks; Reston, Herndon officers say they cite only 'severe cases' but owners disagree.(PAGE ONE)

Byline: Matthew Cella, THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Fairfax County police have raided bars in Reston and Herndon to arrest suspected drunks, taking them to jail on charges of public drunkenness. Pub owners say police are harassing sober customers.

Lt. Tor Bennett, assistant commander of the Reston District station, said the arrests are part of a "stepped-up effort" run mostly on weekend nights from the first week of December through the first week of January. He said the crackdown coincided with an increase in drinking around the holidays.

Lt. Bennett said police had received repeated reports of fights and drug dealing near bars and wanted to make sure …