Thanet District Council is taking over against alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour in public.

The council has put up new signs at locations across the isle from where the authority receives repeated complaints.

They have also been earmarked for particular attention by Kent Police, who work closely with the council’s community safety team.

A Thanet-wide designated Public Places Order (DPPO) has been in place since 2006.

It is not a criminal offence to drink alcohol within a designated area, but it becomes one when individual refuses to comply with a police officer’s request to stop drinking.

The DPPO was introduced to cut down on alcohol related anti-social behaviour in public, show that anti-social drinking is not acceptable and will not be tolerated, and to help make Thanet a place where residents, workers and visitors feel safe.

If a person refuses to stop drinking alcohol asked, their drink may be taken and disposed of. If they refuse to hand it over, they could be arrested and fined up to £500.

Councillor Iris Johnston, cabinet member for community services, said: “This is positive news for the district. This is not an outright ban from drinking and preventing people from enjoying themselves, but if individuals or groups are causing trouble due to alcohol then the police will act upon that.

Thanet police commander Chief Inspector Nick Gossett said: “We want people to come to Thanet and enjoy themselves, to drink responsibly and to allow others to enjoy themselves too.

“Anti-social behaviour is very distressing to others, particularly children, who have to witness it or pick their way through rubbish that’s been discarded.

“My officers will work with the council to ensure the minority of people who chose to act in an anti-social way will be dealt with.”