Brighton residents want controlled drinking zone axed

A petition has been launched against Brighton's city-wide controlled drinking zone by residents who claim it is "against the spirit" of the seaside resort's party culture.

The campaign was launched by debating group Brighton Salon, in conjunction with campaigning body the Manifesto Club, whose new nationwide report on designated public place orders accuses Brighton of over-zealous enforcement.

A beach picnic, featuring bottles of wine and cans of beer, was organised by the group to draw attention to the problem - and passed without any alcohol being confiscated.

But Brighton & Hove City Council claimed it was further proof it had got the policy right.

"It's been in place a long time and there have been minimal complaints about it," said a spokesman. "That no one has protested until now shows how low key it's been.

"There is no blanket drinks ban. It's purely there to enable police to confiscate alcohol from anyone who is behaving in an anti-social way or who is underage.

"Apart from that people are perfectly free to drink wherever they like."

But Brighton Salon's, Dan Travers claims it is not the case people are free to choose where to drink.

"The Manifesto Club's research shows the public has been harassed. People - including myself - have had drink confiscated while carrying it home from the off-licence.

"And even if there is anti-social behaviour, measures like this don't achieve anything. It's against the spirit of Brighton and that's a price not worth paying."