Police and council leaders are planning to turn dozens of streets into no-go areas for street drinkers to cut antisocial behaviour.

Sussex Police and Adur District Council last night released the full list of areas where they want a public drinking ban and urged members of the public to voice their opinions before a final decision is made.

The Arun Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership said it was acting in response to complaints about alcohol-related antisocial behaviour.

Police said designating "drinking control areas" would not prevent all street drinking but would give officers extra powers to take action against people creating "nuisance, disorder or annoyance".

The Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 makes it an offence to drink alcohol if told to stop by police or to fail to surrender alcohol if ordered by police.

They are arrestable offences carrying maximum £500 fines.

Similar public drinking bans operate elsewhere in Sussex and the first was introduced in Brighton and Hove city centre.

Chief Inspector Brian Bracher said: "The partnership is taking action in response to complaints from residents in the areas.

"There have been incidents of late-night rowdiness, vandalism and some cases of drinkers urinating in public.

"These are the kind of issues that can affect residents' quality of life.

"They are antisocial and no longer acceptable and the partnership is determined to crack down on offenders.

"Bognor and Littlehampton are tourist resorts and the only people who will be targeted are the few whose behaviour causes problems for the majority."

A council spokesman said: "The crime reduction partnership, of which the district council is a member, is committed to making the district a safer place for all who live, work in or visit the area.

"Designating areas as drinking control areas will not prevent street drinking but will enable police to take action against people who are creating nuisance or disorder."

The areas that could be designated under the plans cover Littlehampton, parts of Bognor and Wick, Rustington, Felpham, Nyetimber, Rose Green, Toddington, Ferring and North and South Bersted.

Areas designated will be posted and signed but public views are being sought first.

They should be sent in writing to Julie Whitney, clean and safe development manager, Arun District Council, Civic Centre, Maltravers Road, Littlehampton BN17 5LF, or emailed to community.safety@arun.gov.uk by February 15.

Maps of the drinking control areas can be viewed on www.arun.gov.uk They will also be on display at Arun Civic Centre, Littlehampton and Bognor town halls, police stations and libraries, The Wickbourne Centre, The Information Shop for Young People and Project 82, Wick.

For a list of all the streets and areas affected log on to www.theargus.co.uk/news/drinkingcontrolareas/