The promenade would be one no-go area for drinkers

Dyfed-Powys Police say a clampdown on drinking would also help the police deal with the increase in violence in the town during the early hours.

The force's Ceredigion division has started on a consultation process which could see the ban come into effect by next March.

"These changes will allow us to combat the anti-social behaviour associated with alcohol that Aberystwyth has suffered during the summer," said Ceredigion licensing officer Pc John Evans.

Seeing people drunk in the middle of town isn't very pleasant for locals or tourists and it can be quite intimidating Town councillor Barbara Cole

"There has been a rise in the number of drunks and vagrants in the town and although we've tried to deal with the situation we've found existing powers aren't sufficient.

Arrestable offence

"But there has also been an increase in violent crime in Aberystwyth during the last year, especially after midnight with people using glasses and bottles as weapons."

"The new regulations would allow officers to challenge people who drink on the streets at any time of day."

Ceredigion Council could enforce the regulation under Section 13 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act.

According to Pc Evans the new regulations would allow officers to seize containers - sealed or unsealed- if they suspected they contained "intoxicants".

"If anyone refused to hand it over it would be an arrestable offence," he added.

Aberystwyth police believe they need more powers of arrest

Temporary Inspector Kevin Davies, based at Aberystwyth, said the proposed legislation would apply to all streets in the town centre including the promenade.

"These measures are already working effectively in places such as Rhyl and Llandudno.

"But they won't affect people taking alcohol away from off licences."

Police will consult with more than a dozen local groups before submitting their application to the local authority.

It has already got the backing of Aberystwyth town council.

"Seeing people drunk in the middle of town isn't very pleasant for locals or tourists and it can be quite intimidating," said town councillor Barbara Cole.

"I feel sorry for people who can't live without drink but the police's hands are tied in so many ways that I think these measures should come into force."

Fellow town councillor and Conservative AM for Mid and West Wales, Lisa Francis, agreed.

"It is very intimidating to see people urinating in doorways during the day and I know that hotels and restaurants have had complaints about drunks and vagrants from visitors," she said.