People who refuse to hand over their drinks could be fined �50

Members of the city council agreed the move on Thursday which they say is the first city-wide ban in the UK.

A three week consultation process was carried out with 10,000 letters sent to residents, licensees and businesses.

Of the 2,000 who replied a total of 90% agreed the ban should be enforced.

It is a stick and carrot approach Gill Mitchell, Brighton and Hove City Council

The council said it felt a city-wide ban was the best way of preventing street drinkers being displaced to other areas.

But it stressed it had no intention of targeting people drinking outside who are behaving in places such as beaches and parks.

Gill Mitchell, councillor in charge of public safety, said: "It is a stick and carrot approach. We are not expecting to try and fine these people, but we do want them off the streets and getting help.

"We only have between 30 and 50 people drinking on the streets at any one time.

"It is not a huge number but they can leave a very bad impression with visitors and ruin residents' quality of life in certain hotspots."

As from August police will have powers to stop people drinking in public and be able to confiscate the alcohol unless it is in a sealed container.

To refuse would be an arrestable offence which can carry a maximum fine of �500.