Street drinkers cause a nuisance nearly every day in Norfolk Square off Western Road in Brighton.

They congregate on the grass and close to the bus shelter, staggering around, swearing and often frightening passers-by.

It's high time they were stopped from being a menace in a historic area close to the main shopping street in the city.

Now police have the power to ban street drinking on the streets of Brighton and Hove, firm action can be taken.

Drinkers who say they are going to defy the law will find it increasingly difficult. If they continue to cause problems, they will face large fines which most will be unable to pay.

Those who seek help will be offered it, as they are now, although there are signs many are not interested in abandoning their destructive way of life.

The police have promised an amnesty for the first month during which they simply spread the word that a crackdown is coming.

From early September, when it begins, few street drinkers will then be able to say they haven't been warned.

The ban on street drinking has overwhelming public support with nine out of ten people in favour.

Many of those against the ban see boozers as vulnerable people. But it's those they threaten who seem vulnerable when street drinkers have had more than one for the road.