Drinkers could be made to hand over their alcohol or face a fine

The city's council wants to bring in a Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) to give police the power to confiscate alcohol from drinkers in selected areas.

The order would mean members of the public would have to hand over any alcohol not in a sealed container, or face arrest and a fine of up to �500.

The council stresses it is not a blanket ban on drinking in public and that a drinker's behaviour will be the deciding factor in any action by police.

We will absolutely not be targeting people who aren't causing a problem Ken Bodfish, Brighton & Hove City Council

Council leader Ken Bodfish said: "We estimate that there are probably only a few dozen people drinking on the street at any one time. But they can leave a significant impression on visitors.

"There is a danger that we as local people can get used to seeing street drinking and forget how distressing or alarming it can be for visitors who don't often see it.

"We will absolutely not be targeting people who aren't causing a problem such as people having a picnic on the beach.

"We're a very tolerant, friendly place, but it's important that isn't abused by a minority."

A consultation period inviting people to comment on the plans will close on 18 July and the council hopes to introduce the order in early August.

Letters have been sent to pubs, clubs, off-licences and residents living near known drinking hotspots.