REVELLERS in Accrington town centre are being warned to confine their drinking to licensed premises as part of a police crackdown.

Officers have revealed that the town's alcohol ban has been flouted in recent weeks, especially in the St James's churchyard area, Cannon Street, and at seating to the rear of Abbey Street.

Police believe youngsters may be to blame for some of the incidents, and last night an operation was being run to target teenagers, and to warn off-licences.

As part of the ban, which came into force in the summer of 2002, drinkers are not allowed to carry opened drinks containers in the town centre.

Police officers can ask the public to hand over their drinks, and if they refuse an arrest can be made in extreme circumstances.

Now the police are asking drinkers to obey the rules. PC Les Sholicar, licensing officer, said: "The ban is looking at people leaving premises with bottles and glasses that could possibly be used as a weapon. It got off to a good start when it was brought in.

"We don't see very many people walking round with bottles in the evening time but there has been a little bit of an increase recently." The ban covers most of the town centre except for the Superbowl, in an area of Accrington bordered by the King Street Pub Company, to Whalley Road, Eastgate to Manchester Road, and Paradise Street to Exchange Street.

Members of the public carrying unopened drinks containers are not affected by the ban. When alcohol is seized, it must be discarded by the police. Over the last week alcohol has been seized and five offenders warned.

When drinks are confiscated from youngsters, they are usually poured away in front of the culprits.

PC Sholicar said: "We would ask youngsters not to drink, and remind adults using facilities of an evening that there is a ban in place.

"If someone is seen carrying an opened drinks container, we can ask them to dispose of it and get their details.

"If they refuse they can be arrested, but it's a last resort."