A shopkeeper is handing out leaflets to customers buying alcohol, informing them of a tough new bylaw banning street drinking.

John Tasker, owner of St James's Premier Store in St James's Street, Brighton, has pledged his support to the policy, which is hoped will stamp out antisocial behaviour in the area.

The new council bylaw allows alcohol to be confiscated from anyone drinking in public.

Police powers, boosted by the recent Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, enable officers to arrest those who refuse to stop drinking in specific areas.

Mr Tasker, who sells alcohol on a wholesale basis, said: "We are handing out notices when alcohol is sold. The form explains customers must not drink on the streets and all their alcohol may be confiscated by the police.

"Staff also verbally draw each customer's attention to the bylaw and each case of alcohol has a warning on it.

"Most of our alcohol is sold to people for parties and to drink at home.

"If all other alcohol outlets take the same action, street drinking could be eradicated in this area."

Brighton and Hove City Council hopes the new bylaw will improve the image of the St James's Street area.

The bylaw will cover a zone from Eaton Place to Pavilion Gardens and from the seafront to Eastern Road, including the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

The bylaw, which will not apply to drinking at tables outside licensed premises, will come into force at the end of the month.