A PUBLIC ban on boozing in a host of streets gets under way today.
At the beginning of the month District of Easington council named 26 areas across east Durham where all outdoor drinking will be banned.
Anyone flouting the by-law that covers places in Peterlee, Horden and Blackhall will have their alcohol confis
cated or be arrested, be taken before town magistrates and fined up to £500.
It is a joint venture by the district council and police officers to wipe out alcohol-related nuisance and will add to current powers that allow the confiscation of booze from underage drinkers.
Inspector Paul Harrison, of Peterlee Police, said: "We fully support the areas the council has designated for extra powers.
"This move is a further example of the police and the local authority working in partnership to make the district's streets safer."
Peterlee Town Council leader, Councillor Bill Jeffrey, said the town council are fully behind the scheme because a "stand has to be made against anti-social behaviour".
The council's environmental services manager, Ian Hoult, said: "This order provides the police with authority to deal with anti-social behaviour related to alcohol.
"There are already powers to confiscate alcohol off under age drinkers but police officers will now be able to take alcohol off anyone over 18 who they believe is causing a nuisance."
Areas in Haswell, Murton and Seaham are also covered by the order that covers areas such as town centres, parks, fields and streets.
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