Traders fear a ban on drinking alcohol in Brighton and Hove's streets will result in drinkers returning to their old haunt.

Problems with drinking in St James's Street, Kemp Town, prompted Brighton and Hove City Council to introduce a trial ban in the area.

But business owners and residents fear when the ban is extended - it is set to some into force at the end of next month - drinkers will return.

Alan Bond, chairman of the St James's Street Action Group, said: "People caught drinking are just moved on by police but when every street is a drink-free zone, they will have nowhere to move to.

"The police must use their powers to take drinks away from people who break the rules."

Mr Bond, of White Street, Brighton, is preparing to step down as chairman and is worried his hard work will be undone.

He said: "The trial has certainly been a success - there are not the hoards of drinkers hanging around.

"But I am worried it will all be for nothing when the ban is extended.

"We depend on tourists to keep businesses going here but they will not come if there are gangs of drunks hanging around."

Police have been working with the council and alcoholism support centres to formulate a strategy.

Inspector Paul Smith, head of the police's performance support unit, said officers would be given the power to take drink away from offenders.

He said: "I certainly do not want to see St James's Street go back to the way it was. It would be unfair if by extending the order to the rest of the city, this area suffered.

"We will be directing our resources more effectively to make sure hotspots are adequately covered."

A council spokesman said: "Once a ban becomes city wide, the traditional haunts for street drinkers will clearly need watching.

"But the ban aims to change perceptions of the whole city and St James's Street traders can benefit from that.

"The city's image won't change if only St James's Street is rid of drinkers."

Thursday June 19, 2003