A crackdown on anti-social drinkers in Edinburgh’s Bristo Square has been launched by the city council.

After consulting with the University of Edinburgh and Lothian and Borders Police, the council has decided to prohibit the consumption of alcohol in the square.

Nearby Nicolson Square will also be included in the ban, which follows months of working with voluntary sector agencies to engage with people who drink at the sites.

It is hope that the move will make the area safer and more attractive for residents and visitors to the city.

Local residents and businesses have received leaflets informing them that that Nicolson Square and Bristo Square will now be designated 'no drinking of alcohol' zones in accordance with the Consumption of Alcohol in Designated Public Places Byelaws 2006.

Councillor Paul Edie, Community Safety Leader, said: “Anti-social behaviour is a blight on ordinary communities and we are working with the police to inform people that anti-social behaviour is not welcome and will not be tolerated. The new signs will give out a firm message that we are prepared to use bye-laws and other tools to diminish disorder and to stop anti-social behaviour at these squares before it becomes a problem again.”

Superintendent John Hawkins from Lothian and Borders police added: “These bylaws are another example of how good partnership working can make a real difference to communities. We know that issues such as anti social behaviour have a huge effect on local neighbourhoods and through this sort of enforcement, combined with our commitment to community engagement, we will make communities safer.”

Adam Conn, Head of Security at the University of Edinburgh, said: "We welcome any initiative that helps to improve the quality of life in the local community."

In 2006, Lothian and Borders Police agreed to allow people to drink in public within the city, but anyone exhibiting anti-social behaviour that refused to stop drinking when asked would face a £500 fine.