Residents and traders are being asked for their views on plans for a further crack down on street drinking in Brighton and Hove.

The city council plans to use a Designated Public Places Order to give police extra powers to tackle the problem in the city.

It would mean a police officer could "require any person not to consume alcohol in a public place and to surrender any alcohol in that person's possession unless it is in a sealed container."

Refusing to do so would be an arrestable offence, carrying a maximum fine of £500.

The council is stressing it is not a blanket alcohol ban and drinkers' behaviour will be the main factor influencing police action.

The order would cover all of Brighton and Hove, except part of East Brighton around St James's Street which already has a prohibition order.

It would exclude licensed premises and their outside tables, gardens or terraces.

Written comments on the plan should be addressed to the Community Safety Team, Kings House, Hove, BN3 2SR.

Public safety councillor Gill Mitchell said: "We believe this order would go a long way towards making visitors and local people feel safer and improve everyone's quality of life.

"It's not a blanket ban and we have no intention of stopping people enjoying themselves in a responsible way."

From today, there will be a three-week consultation period, with the deadline for comments on Friday, July 18.

Thousands of consultation letters are being sent to all licensees at pubs, clubs and off-licences, plus residents who live near drinking hot spots.

Monday June 23, 2003