A drink ban in a Greater Manchester town centre was coming in to force on Friday leaving those who break it facing a �500 fine. Steps to bring in the ban in Oldham came after Greater Manchester Police raised concerns about the level of alcohol-related crime and violence in the town.
It will be mainly enforced in the Yorkshire Street area where there are a large number of pubs and clubs.
It also applies to other parts of the town centre.
Police are pleased that the ban is being brought in before Christmas celebrations get under way.
Anybody who is caught with an open bottle or can of alcohol by police could now face a fine of up to �500.