A CRACKDOWN on drunken yobs who plague Sandbach and Alsager gets under way today.
Anyone caught drinking alcohol in certain public places will face an £80 on-the-spot fine - and persistent offenders could find themselves behind bars.
The booze ban applies to most areas of Sandbach and Alsager, including streets and parks.
It is hoped the pioneering move will slash anti-social behaviour which plagues the towns. Parts of Holmes Chapel will be added in two weeks time.
Sgt Gareth Woods says the scheme - approved by Congleton Borough Council - is what police have been waiting for.
He said: 'Until now we have not been able to seize alcohol from people aged 18 or above. I have no doubt the new powers will have a dramatic effect on crimes linked to drinking.'
A list of specific zones has been drawn up, based on police and wardens' data. Most of the town centres and public open spaces are included, but the by-law also extends to residential areas which have become favourite haunts, including roads in Elworth and the area known as the Limes Estate in Sandbach.
Anyone caught boozing in the no-alcohol zones will be issued with a fine. Persistent offenders will be arrested, and failure to comply could result in prison.
The council's community safety officer, Tony Potts, said: 'Unfortunately legislation says we can not make a blanket ban across the towns, but if certain areas start to suffer we will make efforts to tackle the problem.
'The zones were chosen using police statistics, so it is up to people to report it if they have a problem. If we find an area causing concern we will take action.'
He added: 'These drinkers are directly linked to anti-social behaviour. It costs the council a lot of money to clean up after them.'
