Police now have the power to stop people drinking in the street anywhere in Merton after a borough wide drinking ban was approved.

The borough wide controlled drinking zone (CDZ) will mean police and community support officers will be able to confiscate alcohol from people deemed to be acting in a disorderly manner in public.

Controlled drinking zones are already in force in both Mitcham and Wimbledon town centre which will now be incorporated in the new borough wide zone to create a simpler and more cost-effective system.

The CDZ, supported by Merton Police, was sparked by an increase in alcohol related anti-social behaviour and were unanimously recommended by members of the council’s licensing committee in November 2012.

Councillor Stephen Alambritis, leader of Merton Council, said: "The response from residents during the consultation was clear.

"They want Merton to clamp down on drinking-related anti-social behaviour. Merton is one of the safest boroughs in London and we want to keep it that way.

"The new CDZ gained overwhelming support at council when it was proposed last November."

Councillor David Simpson, chair of the council’s licensing committee, said: "A borough-wide CDZ is simpler and better value for money than establishing zones in individual areas of the borough.

"We hope that the implementation of the CDZ will lead to fewer incidents of anti-social behaviour in our public spaces."

The cost of implementing the new CDZ has been estimated at between £20,000 to £30,000.