People will not be allowed to drink in the cathedral grounds

From Friday, police will be enforcing a council order banning the drinking of alcohol in certain parts of Winchester.

Anyone caught drinking alcohol in the Hampshire city's cathedral grounds, Abbey Gardens and Orams Arbour could be arrested or fined if they do not stop.

Officers will spend the weekend letting people know about the new law and have already put up posters in the city.

'Positive action'

Inspector Kevin Baxman said: "This city council order will enable us stop people drinking in public and take positive action against those that choose to ignore the rules.

"This weekend is very much about education and extra officers will be on patrol making people aware of the new legislation, how it affects them and what will happen if they ignore the rules.

"Those that do refuse to hand over alcohol or stop drinking will be issued with a fixed penalty notice or arrested."

People will only have committed an offence when they fail to stop drinking or refuse to hand over the alcohol to an officer.