A street drinking ban introduced across a wide area of Birmingham has led to a significant fall in alcohol-related disorder, according to the police.
More than 30 local orders banning the consumption of alcohol in public places have been adopted so far, covering the city centre and most suburbs including Moseley, Selly Oak, Bournville, Erdington and Sutton Coldfield.
The regulations, approved by the city council, give police powers to confiscate drink from people in the street.
A progress report compiled by West Midlands Police indicated a reduction in incidents of disorder by as much as 50 per cent in some of the alcohol-free zones.
A Sutton Coldfield police spokesman said: "There has been a notable reduction in violent crime. We have seized and destroyed a substantial amount of alcohol, on one night alone in excess of 50 cans of lager.
"Overall, I cannot over-emphasise the impact this legislation has had on Sutton Coldfield town centre."
A city centre police spokesman said: "Alcohol has been seized and destroyed and the powers have been used to good effect to reduce crime and disorder."
Mike Olley, manager of the Broad Street Business Improvement District, said the ban was making a difference.
"Police officers now have the power to take bottles away and pour the contents down the drain. I have seen that happen a number of times," he added.
