Drinking alcohol on the street in two of the busiest entertainment centres in Britain is to be banned following action by councillors.
In London's West End and the Broad Street area of Birmingham measures are being undertaken to crack down on alcohol-fuelled crime and vandalism.
Westminster Council has voted to begin the consultation process that will eventually see street drinking restrictions extended across the west of the borough.
Under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, police can confiscate bottles and cans of alcohol and are able to fine or arrest people who fail to comply. These restrictions are already in place in the Victoria area of Westminster.
A spokesman for Westminster Council said: "This power is designed to address nuisance drinkers, people who are out on park benches and bus shelters - not people drinking outside pubs."
Earlier this month members the Birmingham City Centre Partnership applied to have Broad Street designated as an alcohol-restricted area.
This part of the city has been likened to Ibiza over its reputation for drunken behaviour on Friday and Saturday nights.
Bar and nightclub operator Urbium closed its Tiger Tiger venue on Broad Street this month, citing the area's new reputation as the reason why.
Related articles:
Tiger Tiger closure blamed on 'Ibiza-like' Broad Street (10 September 2003)
Stoke-on-Trent introduces street drinking ban (3 September 2003)
Street drinking banned in South East nightlife towns (1 August 2003)