The ban will begin from 6 December

So-called alcohol exclusion zones will come into force on the Tyne and Wear Metro system from 6 December.

The zones will make it a criminal offence to be in possession of an open container of alcohol anywhere on the Metro network.

Offenders will be liable to have alcohol confiscated and could face fines of up to �500.

Bylaws already in place allow Metro operator Nexus to prosecute rowdy drunks.

The new alcohol exclusion zone order will strengthen those powers, by allowing the train operator to remove anyone found in possession of an open container of alcohol, regardless of whether or not they are causing trouble.

For the most part, the ban will be enforced by the police, but Nexus' newly appointed travel support officers will also be empowered to eject anyone caught flouting the law.

'Arrestable offence'

Police have welcomed the new powers, saying they will help them police the system more effectively.

Sgt Neil Harvey, of the Metro Police Unit, said: "These powers will be far more robust than the existing bylaws.

"If officers see someone drinking alcohol or what is reasonably believed to be alcohol they can require the person to stop drinking.

"The alcohol can be seized and disposed of, while failure to comply without reasonable excuse is an arrestable offence.

"We always wanted to have this zone in place well before the party season of Christmas and New Year so the public have had time to get used to it."

Police will seek an Anti-Social Behaviour Order from the courts if someone repeatedly offends under this legislation and continues to commit disorder offences.

Nexus director general Mike Parker, said: "This will undoubtedly help us rid the system of the kind of anti-social behaviour we're working hard to combat."