Police will be able to arrest people drinking in certain public areas

The measure, which will cover public areas in the centre of Hanley and Festival Park, is expected to come into force in August.

The city council voted to impose the ban at a meeting on Thursday.

Anyone caught drinking in public could be fined as much as �500.

Police powers

Tony Kehoe, the authority's community safety manager, said people who ignore the ban will have action taken against them.

"It's not use having legislation if legislation is not enforced.

"They can be fined and they can be arrested if they do not comply with the police officer's request of stopping drinking in a public place or surrendering an open bottle containing liquor.

"The penalty can be as high as �500."