OPEN-AIR drinkers will lose their alcohol (and maybe £500) under new laws which came into force at midnight on Thursday.

Outdoor boozing is now illegal in a host of streets across the borough's six towns. Bury Council and the police hope this will reduce drink-related crime and disorder.

The no-drink zones include Bury town centre, Radcliffe town centre and a part of Radcliffe around Water Street, Whitefield town centre, Prestwich centre and the vicinity of Heaton Park, parts of Ramsbottom and Holcombe Brook and Tottington village centre.

Police now have powers to confiscate alcohol from offenders, who could be fined £500 if they refuse to hand it over.

Licensed premises, including those with outdoor terraces and beer gardens, are exempt from the new law and temporary exemptions for special events will be available.