PLANS to ban open-air drinking in parts of High Wycombe, Marlow and Princes Risborough will take months to bring into force.

Before applying to the Home Office for a by-law to enforce the ban, members of Wycombe District Council have to get evidence together that a ban is needed. Police need to define street by street which are the problem areas, other organisations have to be consulted and everyone else asked for their views, via the district council's newsletter. The council will then decide whether to apply for the by-law.

There's good news for people having, say, a drink with a picnic.

Police would warn them first, members of the council's community and leisure committee were told on Monday. An officer has to ask someone to stop drinking first and there has to be concern about public disorder.