Police today moved in on a street drinking haunt dubbed Smack Square to warn boozers they could face fines of £500.

Officers launched a high-profile operation to crack down on drunks a day after being granted powers to ban alcohol from the streets of Brighton and Hove.

But minutes after being approached, a group congregated in Norfolk Square, Brighton, said nothing would stop them drinking.

One man sitting on the grass in the square said his name was Nick and he been convicted 17 times for being drunk and disorderly and was banned from pubs and off-licences.

He said: "I'll still be able to get drink and I'll still carry on."

Another, Les, said: "I'm dying of cancer - I've got a few months to live - so it won't make any difference to me. As long as we behave ourselves we're okay to drink."

Police had to break up a confrontation between one drinker and a passer-by.

Children scattered as the drinker staggered into the square swearing and swigging from a can.

A ban on drinking in public became official yesterday across the city after nine out of ten people questioned said they would like police given greater powers to tackle the nuisance.

Police have promised an amnesty for the first month while they spread the word and offer advice on where drinkers can get help.

But from September 8 offenders could find themselves being taken to court.

People living in Norfolk Square, one of the city's known trouble spots, said they welcomed the move. But some doubted whether the ban could be properly enforced.

Police have stressed the ban is not draconian and that only drinkers who misbehave or are antisocial will be breaking the law.

Sergeant Richard Siggs, in charge of eight officers and three community support officers dedicated to tackling street drinking, said: "Police won't solve this alone - it has to be a multi-agency campaign.

"We know we can't stop every single drinker but we will identify repeat offenders and those drinkers considered most vulnerable."

Brighton and Hove City Council, the police and other agencies, including the Rough Sleepers Street Service, met yesterday to iron out their plan.

RSSS outreach worker Glen Hunt joined police today to offer drinkers advice on hostels and alcohol treatment programmes.

He said a pilot scheme in Hove earlier this year had worked and he was confident the ban would have a positive impact, especially at hot spots including Norfolk Square, London Road, St James's Street, The Level and Pavilion Gardens.

He said: "We won't solve the problems overnight but the new legislation is a useful tool to improve life for the community, traders and the drinkers."