Bristol licensees have called on the police to enforce 'zero tolerance' on street drinking in the city centre.

Brett Hirt, owner of the Rummer Hotel in All Saints Lane, says the no street drinking zone in place in the St Nicholas market area is not properly enforced.

The 30-year-old has launched an e-petition calling for a "zero tolerance" approach to be taken with licensed premises allowing their customers to drink outside in the street and the drinkers themselves.

He says revellers drinking outside pubs often carry their drinks as they move between venues and glasses end up being smashed on the floor.

Mr Hirt has also witnessed people drinking alcohol from cans purchased from shops as they stand outside pubs in the area.

He has called for the "no street drinking" signs in the area to be replaced because they have been damaged or defaced since the zone was introduced in 2004.

In support of his petition, which can be signed at http://epetitions.bristol.gov.uk, Mr Hirt said: "Licensed premises in the St Nicholas Market area and the centre are encouraging street drinking by not monitoring drinkers properly and allowing potentially harmful glassware to be taken.

"Apart from the safety and litter issues, there is a growing amount of anti-social behaviour, underage drinking and drug use in the back streets of St Nicholas Market."

Mr Hirt, who says there have been problems with street drinking in the area for about two years, has been supported in his campaign by Jason Arnoll, landlord of The Three Sugar Loaves in Christmas Steps.

Mr Hirt said: "It's an annoyance. There is glass left around the market and vandalism.

"The sheltered arcade of the market creates a nice area for street drinking but the zone is not being enforced. There have been up to 100 people drinking outside some of the pubs and at weekends it fills up the whole market.

"It's an uncontrolled mess."

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset police said the St Nicholas Market area was not technically a "no street drinking zone" but a "designated public place in which police have powers to stop people drinking".

Stephen Bell, city centre and licensing team sergeant, said: "We are keen to promote responsible drinking within Bristol city centre.

"In order to do this we have powers that are used on a regular basis, when it is appropriate, which allow us to request that people stop drinking and hand over alcohol within the designated area.

"It is an offence for which they can be arrested if they don't comply.

"We are aware of Mr Hirt's concerns.

"And we will be talking to him to reassure him that we take his concerns seriously and take positive action where appropriate."

Voxpops:

"My office is in the centre of the city and I see people drinking in the street even during the day. I would support a zero tolerance approach. If there is a ban, it should be enforced."

Paul Surridge, 41, Bristol city centre, creative director.

"Large groups of people drinking outside pubs is intimidating. It is a problem on Friday and Saturday nights and Freshers Week is a particular problem."

Sarah Surridge, 34, Bristol city centre, business analyst.

"Corn Street is really bad. I would like to see the police enforce the street drinking ban. When I go running in the morning I seen a lot of bottles left lying in the street."

Gary Cartlidge, 45, Abbey Wood, engineer.

"It bothers me to see people drinking in the street. Last night I noticed mounted policemen in the city centre and it was a positive presence. It makes people behave themselves."

Rachel Cook, 36, Cardiff, personal assistant.