It is an extra measure that can be used to make the city streets safer

Chief Inspector Cliff Walker

While other parts of the UK have laws to prevent people drinking alcohol in the streets, the city council says the bye-law takes police powers one step further.

Although the law is restricted to areas already designated "alcohol-free zones", revellers need not necessarily be drinking for officers to move in.

Merseyside police officers, who are working alongside the council, have welcomed the new rule, but they promised to use discretion when exercising their powers.

Chief Inspector Cliff Walker, operations manager for the city centre and Kirkdale, said: "This is an important extra power that will enable us to continue to rid our streets of violent and alcohol related crime.

"It is an extra measure that can be used to make the city streets safer."

Model for other councils

Council leaders believe the new bye-law will provide a model for other local authorities, with Manchester expected to put forward an application next month.

Councillor Malcolm King, chairman of Liverpool City Council's licensing committee, said: "The city's streets are littered with discarded bottles at the weekend. People only have to pick one up and they immediately have an offensive weapon.

"We know the city centre is a relatively safe area but by implementing this bye-law we can help to make it even safer and a more fun place to enjoy yourself."

A Home Office spokesman said such initiatives to "reduce drink-related loutishness" were welcomed.

The Prime Minister Tony Blair, was recently forced into an embarrassing climbdown on his proposals to issue on-the-spot fines to drunken louts.

Police chiefs dismissed them as a "non-starter" at a Downing Street crime summit.