A ban on drinking in the street could be extended across Brighton city centre.

Police already have the power to confiscate bottles and cans from drinkers in Kemp Town and can arrest people who refuse to hand over their drinks.

A report by community safety workers next month will reveal how the ban could be extended.

Councillor Mo Marsh, who chairs the community safety forum, said: "I think the ban has been effective, though there may have been some weakening in the enforcement of it.

"We would like to roll the ban out. A city-wide ban would seem to be popular with residents. But there are a lot of issues to consider before decisions are taken."

The Home Office-approved ban, introduced last November, covers an area bounded by the seafront, Old Steine, Edward Street, Eastern Road and Eaton Place. Those breaking the law face fines of up to £200.

Community safety workers are reviewing the first year's results and review co-ordinator Derek Peacock, chairman of the St James's Street Action Group safety committee, said he was encouraged by early reports.

He said: "My opinion is the ban has been working very well but we always promised we'd do a full appraisal of people's views.

"There has been some displacement to other areas. An inner-city ban would take away some of those rough edges, where the boundaries are crossed."

Paul Ritchie, owner of Banjo's sandwich shop in Norfolk Square, Brighton, said: "The ban seems to have worked well around St James's Street and The Steine.

"But now a lot of the familiar faces there have been pushed down here.

"It doesn't do business any good to have these people hanging around, even when they're not disorderly.

"I think a city-wide ban should be pushed quite strongly."

Support workers have already warned they would struggle to cope with the consequences of a tougher crackdown on street drinkers.

David Kerr, manager of the Equinox Day Centre, said extending the ban would demand a significant cash injection for his service.

Staff at the centre in the Old Steine, Brighton, see about 50 people each day wanting somewhere to drink indoors.

Mr Kerr said: "We could be looking at the number of people we see doubling. We'll need considerably more space and staff."

But he was not completely opposed to a wider ban.

"The existing ban has certainly taken a lot of pressure off St James's Street. Other areas like The Level and around St Peter's Church would probably benefit too."

Mr Kerr said there was "the germ of an idea" to extend into another floor of the same council-owned building. Otherwise the authorities might need to look at opening a larger base elsewhere, which would risk sparking residents' protests.

A day service for alcohol and drug abusers is run jointly by Addaction and Community Alcohol Team Projects, in St George's Place, Brighton.

Community Alcohol Team Projects chief executive John Reading said: "We certainly don't oppose street drinking bans but think they have a limited impact unless there are more resources for support services."