WORCESTER City Council has launched a consultation on the proposed introduction of strict no alcohol zones in the city.

Following a law change, the authority is now looking to introduce Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). Previous alcohol exclusion order areas, which covered the city centre and a large section of Warndon, have expired which has led to the city council proposal.

The PSPO order stops people drinking in the designated area, and also means when asked a person has to surrender to a police officer any container in their possession, used to carry alcohol.

Any person found by police, community support or designated council officers to be in breach of the proposed requirements would be guilty of a criminal offence. Punishment would range from a £75 fixed penalty notice, to a potential £1,000 payment if prosecuted at a magistrates court.

As well as returning the previous zones back into designated areas, the authority propose an extension, with new areas introduced in Tolladine, Blackpole and Perdiswell.

Alice Davey, the city council's head of community services, said: "As well as causing a disturbance to residents, street drinking can affect local businesses and puts huge pressure on police time and hospital resources.

“Adopting the proposed order would give the council and police greater powers to intervene at an earlier stage and to take punitive action where appropriate.”

The authority stress if introduced, the PSPO would not apply to licensed premises and their immediate surroundings. Premises or event organisers would still be able to apply for licences to temporarily enable the sale and consumption of alcohol.

People can have their say by taking part in the online survey at worcester.gov.uk/voiceit before May 30.