The police have been granted extended powers to confiscate alcohol from those causing a public nuisance.

Unlike the Criminal Justice and Police Act of 2001, which gave officers the ability to take opened containers of alcohol, the Licensing Act of this year allows unopened containers to be removed from people who are causing a disturbance.

"Overall crime is down and the chance of being a victim of crime is at its lowest level for more than 20 years," said Home Office minister Hazel Blears.

"Yet the fear of crime remains high. The noisy and aggressive behaviour associated with weekend binges and drunkards contributes to this.

"These new powers will be used against those who are, through their drinking, causing a public nuisance and are likely to do so. Police officers will now be able to cut down on anti-social behaviour caused by drunken louts and reduce the intimidation they cause.

"We know that violent crime is often fuelled by alcohol - the British Crime Survey shows that 47 per cent of violent crimes are committed by offenders under the influence of alcohol.

"Several new measures, such as fixed penalty notices for being drunk and disorderly and police powers to shut down noisy bars and clubs, have been introduced to help minimise this kind of violence."