TIME is to be called on booze-fuelled antics with plans to designate parts of central Middlesbrough an alcohol- free zone.

There are proposals to make drinking in the street a criminal offence - with a maximum fine of £500 for anyone who keeps drinking when told to stop by a police officer.

Businesses and residents are to be canvassed for their views on the ban. If Middlesbrough Council wins support for the idea, the drinking in public order, brought under the Criminal Justice and Police Act, could be in place this summer.

The order would include precincts of the University of Teesside, Gresham, Park and Middlehaven wards.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, the council's executive member for community safety, said: "Comprehensive CCTV coverage and the presence of street wardens are already helping to make Middlesbrough a safer and more welcoming place and this order will add to their work.

"We want the town centre to be a place which people of all ages can enjoy themselves - that's essential to the well-being of the town.''

He said: "This order won't affect the well-run businesses, including those who have a pavement caf operation.

"We want to encourage more of them.

"What it will do, is put on notice the people who cause a nuisance by drinking in the streets or in other public places and the establishments which don't do their job properly and allow people to leave with a drink in their hand.''

Superintendent Steve Ashman, head of operations in Middlesbrough for Cleveland Police, said: "We have been involved with the local authority on this matter from the outset.

"We fully support the proposal to ban alcohol from public places within the town centre.

"It is important for people to note that this is designed to improve the image of the town during the day and to target unruly and anti-social behaviour at night. It is not about restricting business.

"I am convinced that, used properly, it will enhance the reputation of the town as a safe place that everyone can enjoy.''