Fine for drinking in city centre

A crackdown on anti-social drinking in a Hertfordshire town is due to begin after police were given new powers.

A by-law already bans drinking in the centre of St Albans. Now the City and District Council has applied for a Designated Public Place order.

This means police and community support officers will be able to tell people to stop drinking in the city centre and confiscate alcohol.

Anyone who refuses faces arrest and can be fined up to £500.

Councillor Brian Peyton said: "I hope these new powers will have the effect of reducing anti-social drinking in the city centre and will improve the quality of life for residents of St Albans and visitors to our city."

The new powers are discretionary, and people buying drink from an off-licence or supermarket to have at home will not be affected.