Alcohol exclusion zones may be imposed in Harrow to give police extra powers to tackle alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour.

Residents and business are to be asked their views on plans to introduce an exclusion zone in Harrow town centre, Wealdstone and South Harrow.

The move was approved by the council's licensing committee yesterday evening (Thursday0.

If it goes ahead, police would be allowed to "request" a member of the public not to drink alcohol in the zone and to confiscate opened bottles and cans if they "reasonably believed" them to contain alcohol.

Anyone who failed to follow a police offcer's order could be arrested and fined.

The council said that aim was not to introduce a total ban on drinking in the open, but to target the few who behave antisocially or disturb people going about their normal business.

Councillor Eileen Kinnear, portfolio holder for urban living, said: "I believe these measures are sensible, and will greatly improve Harrow as a safe and attractive place."

Council leader Councillor Chris Mote said he wanted the whole borough to be declared as alcohol exclusion zones to "maintain it as a safe and attractive place to live and visit".

He said: "These measures are not aimed at restricting legal, social drinking in the town, such as outside bars and restaurants, but to give us an option to deal with a minority of people who drink to excess and make others' lives unpleasant.

"This will add to Harrow's reputation as a safe place in which people can securely enjoy the tremendous range of facilities offered by our pubs and clubs."

The council said the zones would be used in conjunction with other laws to tackle antisocial behaviour.

The intended zone stretches from Wealdstone to South Harrow, and includes Harrow town centre and a number of parks, including Alexandra Park, Byron Recreation Ground and Harrow Recreation Ground.

If the public apporves, it is intended to introduce the order in late August.