Homeless drinkers face street ban

Alcoholic vagrants face being banished from the streets of London.

Westminster council is considering introducing a "street drinking control area" in which "'winos" will be ordered to move or pay a heavy fine.

If it gets the go-ahead, police will get powers to order them to stop drinking and confiscate any alcohol. Failure to comply will incur a £500 fine and arrest.

Homeless charities are likely to protest that the law will make life harder for people sleeping rough.

The move was approved in principle by Tory-run Westminster council last night.

Councillor Robert Davis said: "Under our Civic Renewal Campaign, we are determined to make the streets of Westminster cleaner and safer for all.

"There are still too many people sleeping rough in our city who are not accepting the help on offer. This initiative, if implemented, would help us combat what is a major source of nuisance and offence around the Victoria area for residents and visitors."

The new controlled zones would be introduced under powers granted to the council through the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001.

Council officers will identify drink "hotspots" where problems occur, and if necessary extend or move the controlled zones.

Other problem areas identified include Cathedral Piazza, Vincent Square, and Tachbrook Street, around Army and Navy Store on Victoria Street.

A consultation will take place with police, landowners, off-licences and homeless charities before the scheme gets the go-ahead.