ANTI-SOCIAL drinking of alcohol in public places is to be outlawed in Thanet. The district council says the ban is aimed at curbing anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder.

It means that police will have increased powers to confiscate alcohol and make arrests in the interests of public safety.

The move follows the successful introduction in 2002 of a ban prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in public in town centres and other designated area.

Prior to the decision, 350 consultation letters were sent to local residents, MPs, the area police commander, the local health

authority and the Licensed Victuallers Association. The proposal received unanimous support.

Cllr Ingid Spencer, council cabinet member for community services and the environment, said: "These restrictions on anti- social

drinking support the council's policy of ensuring a safe and enjoyable community for all.

“It is not about curbing the enjoyment of alcohol in public that contributes to the bonhomie and atmosphere at events such as the Quex Prom at Birchington or Broadstairs Folk Week, or even a family picnic on the beach. It is about stopping the style of drinking that may endanger public safety and that many find threatening.

"The outcome from similar restrictions in Folkestone and Canterbury has been very successful and I am sure that residents and visitors to Thanet will enjoy and welcome the same positive effects in the near future.

“ We all have a responsibility to the community and this legislation aims to tackle the violence and criminal activity that often results from anti-social drinking.

“We intend to ensure that our streets, parks and beaches are safe for everyone to enjoy."

The council stresses that the ban will not affect “those who drink alcohol in a safe and responsible manner".

Thanet Police's area commander, Supt Penny Martin, said: “We welcome the council’s decision to increase the designated areas. This is a useful law. It doesn’t stop people from enjoying themselves with friends and family but it allows our officers to act if there are signs of public disorder or threats of violence.

“We have used the law in the past to good effect but it has presented the risk of displacing the drinking problems to neighbouring areas. This will no longer occur with the new laws.

“The nature of it being discretionary means that it’s not a burden but a useful tool for officers to use when required.”