Drinking ban signs 'misleading'

Police say a ban would help to cut anti-social behaviour

A ban on drinking in parts of Stoke-on-Trent has been delayed because the signs to warn people have been described as "misleading".

The original design of the signs featured a bottle and glass with a line through the middle.

However the Home Office says the design suggests alcohol is banned from an area altogether rather than just from the streets.

Stoke City Council said it was only following what had been used elsewhere in the country.

'Up-to-date design'

The council's Tom Kehoe said: "Just before we actually went to start printing the signs, the Home Office were able to release research that said there is evidence of the signs being used around the country which could be misleading.

"We were fortunate we were able to say we would change our design and use a more up-to-date design."

He added: "It has caused a slight delay but we will be first in the country to use the new design."

In June, police in the city said a ban on drinking in public would help to cut anti-social behaviour.