f=Clarion MT s=10 w=10 l=10.5STREET drinking is to be banned in Enfield town centres under new measures to clamp down on anti-social behaviour.o

Enfield Council is one of the first local authorities in Britain to adopt new powers under the Criminal Justice Act to prevent alcohol consumption in troublespots.

Under the new legislation street boozers face fines of £500.

The authority's licensing panel will formally accept the legislation in December and pilot non-drinking zones have been earmarked for Enfield and Southgate town centres.

Announcing the booze ban, council leader Cllr Doug Taylor said: "It is not an anti-drinking crusade, anybody who wants to enjoy a drink should, but it should not be the cause of annoyance to people going about their business.

"You want to walk the street and feel safe, you do not want to be faced with large groups of rowdy people."

Council officials will work with the police to enforce the tough new measures to deal with being drunk and disorderly in public places; crime committed under the influence of alcohol; and violent crime.

According to crime figures, 78 per cent of assaults and 88 per cent of criminal damage are committed by drunks.

The council aims to reduce under-age drinking, public drunkenness and alcohol-related crime through its new approach.

Cllr Andrew Stafford, cabinet member for corporate services, was a key figure in drafting the policy.

He said: "When we ask people to 'Take Pride in Enfield', we also ask people to help us put an end to anti-social behaviour.

"That's why the council is working with landlords to encourage sensible drinking in Enfield's excellent hostelries, as well as working with the police to end drunkenness in public places."

The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 placed statutory responsibility jointly on local authorities and the police to tackle such issues.

Following a request from the cabinet, the council management team (CMT) has been examining various strategies to combat disorder in town centres across the borough.