Police have launched a summer poster campaign in Oxford to clamp down on street drinking in alcohol-free zones.

The posters, which were introduced in conjunction with Oxford City Council, are on display in city centre bars, restaurants, clubs, colleges and shopping centres.

Pc Paul Phillips, the city's residential and homeless liaison officer, said the posters were a good way of reinforcing the message that street drinking will not be tolerated.

He said: "It's a reminder for people leaving clubs or other establishments that, if they're entering an alcohol-free area, they must comply with it.

"The posters are reinforcing what is already out there."

Pc Phillips said if someone refused to hand over drink to an officer when requested or warned, they could be arrested and fined up to £500.

He said the police were taking positive steps to identify and prosecute people who ignore the ban.

Pc Phillips added: "We may reach the stage with certain individuals where we can make an application for an antisocial behaviour order."

Colin Antrobus, director of the Clarendon Shopping Centre, where the posters are already in place, said he applauded the police initiative.

He said: "I fully support the ban and I hope they have got the manpower to keep up the pressure needed to discipline people.

"I think anything that's aimed at trying to stop things that the majority of people agree are not desirable has got to be encouraged for the good of everybody."

Bill McCardle, chief executive of city centre management company OX1, said: "It's another step in improving the safety of the city and making it a much more attractive place.

"It's proving when traders, police and council work together, we can prove a very effective partnership."