YORK revellers caught with a pint on the streets of Micklegate could face being hit in the wallet if council chiefs decide to ban public drinking.

Drinkers who refuse to put down their glasses or bottles when asked to by the police could be arrested and given a maximum £500 fine if council officers decide to make the street subject to a "designation order".

Thousands of people visit Micklegate's many pubs and bars every weekend, but that has led to complaints from some residents and businesses.

They are angry the street is littered with broken glass as visitors leave with their drinks in hand. Now council officers could ban drinking in public in the street - with the support of local police.

Under a strict interpretation of the rule, this could mean pub-goers taking a breather during the hot summer months could be fined if they take their drink outside on to the street, however briefly.

The move is part of a city-wide crackdown on drinking alcohol in public areas with a number of York places set to be the subject of a no drink rule.

Orders are already in force in Glen Gardens, Heworth and Museum Gardens. No objections have been received for similar plans for Scarcroft Green, Acomb Green, Clifton library and play area, Rawcliffe Lake, Canon Lee School playing field and the area around Rawcliffe Community Centre. Chiefs are also looking at ending the misery of residents at the Westgate apartments by banning drinking in the War Memorial Gardens.

Andrew Waller, the council's deputy leader, said the measures in Micklegate may be considered necessary in order to develop it and bring it up to York Pride standards.

"We have had conversations with local retailers on how to develop the area and this activity makes the area look untidy," he said. PC Dave Boag, North Yorkshire Police licensing officer, said: "This would be fairly easy to enforce. It would give us additional powers."

Updated: 10:49 Tuesday, April 06, 2004