Drinking alcohol will be banned on the streets of Brighton and Hove.

Police were last night granted powers to take action against drunks who congregate in known trouble spots.

The ban, which is due to be enforced from the start of next month, follows a pilot scheme in St James's Street, Kemp Town, which, while regarded as successful, has been criticised for pushing the problems elsewhere.

When Brighton and Hove City Council consulted people, it found nine out of ten were in favour of the ban.

Environment councillor Gill Mitchell said it would not affect ordinary people who wanted to have a quiet drink on the beach.

Lib Dem leader Paul Elgood said it would help in tackling hot spots such as Norfolk Square - dubbed Smack Square - and parts of Western Road in Hove.

Tory councillor David Smith said: "Our biggest problem will be in getting it enforced."

Green convenor Keith Taylor said Sainsbury's in London Road and a nearby branch of Unwins had agreed not to stock the low-price high-alcohol products desired by street drinkers.

He hoped other stores would follow their example and wanted the ban to curb street drinking but feared it would drive the problem round the corner.

Deputy council leader Sue John said the ban would be city-wide and not simply restricted to the centre.

She said help would be given where possible to street drinkers.

Coun Mitchell said one sergeant and eight other officers would carry out regular checks once the order was in force.

There would be liaison with licensed outlets and the agencies dealing with street drinkers.