One of the biggest complaints by people visiting Brighton and Hove is the number of street drinkers.

The city council has already imposed an order banning street drinking in an area around St James's Street where the problem is worst.

This has worked to some extent but has had the side effect of displacing some drinkers to other parts of the centre.

Now the council has agreed to an order to cover the whole city and it should come into force next month.

Most people surveyed by the council are in favour of the ban which should ensure action can be taken where necessary.

But a significant minority felt the ban would infringe civil liberties and it was unfair on people who are vulnerable.

The success of any ban will depend on enforcement and it is welcome news that the police are assigning officers to the task.

As for the street drinkers, they are being offered help but not all of them choose to take advantage of it.

The drinkers range from those lying on pavements to others who can be threatening and abusive.

Their presence is not wanted in a busy tourist and residential town. They need to be moved off the streets and given every aid to stop their addiction.