Did you know drinking alcohol in St James's Street, Brighton, is against the law? No? Neither do most people.

And it's all because Brighton and Hove City Council, in its infinite wisdom, had to be seen to be doing something to quell an endless stream of complaints, an outcry provoked by abusive and often violent drunks badgering the public for money - thanks to a council policy that made Brighton and Hove a haven for such individuals.

So how did the council implement this new law that was to protect the public?

Did it put up signs the size of "Stop" and "No Entry" signs blazed in red and white?

Not on your Nelly. It stuck up teeny-weeny, environmentally-friendly green and white ones, measuring 6in by 8in - or 13cm by 20cm - that wouldn't warrant a first glance never mind a second, with the lame threat of confiscation and maybe a fine.

It is clearly the softly-softly approach that shows up the councillors for what they really are. The drunks must be laughing themselves sober.

-Bill Grant, Brighton