Part of Bristol's city centre is to become an official no-drinking zone

The city council has introduced the move in the area around St Jude's and Old Market, in response to residents who expressed concerns over people drinking heavily in the streets.

From Wednesday police will have powers to confiscate open containers of alcohol, to request that an individual stops drinking and to arrest anyone who refuses.

Claire Cook, executive councillor for neighbourhood and housing services, said: "Street drinking has been affecting residents' quality of life.

"We were determined to take some action to try to sort this problem out."

Ms Cook will erect the no-drinking zone sign at 1000 GMT on Wednesday, outside the council's Easton area office in Braggs Lane.

She said bars and restaurants in the area would be unaffected by the move.