DRUNKEN louts could have all their booze confiscated under new police powers that have come into force.

Officers could previously only take opened cans and bottle from people in designated public no-drinking areas.

They can now confiscate unopened drinks from anyone causing a nuisance after a change in the law.

An amendment to the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 gives police the power to confiscate unopened bottles or cans of beer, wines and spirits from adults in designated areas where they are causing a public nuisance -- or are likely to do so.

It also allows officers to confiscate drink from under-age youngsters anywhere in a public place, whether or not they are misbehaving.

Under-age drinking which has been directly linked to anti-social behaviour.

Insp Mark Lee from Bolton Police said: "We usually could confiscate alcohol previously only with the co-operation of the individual. Officers would have to deal with each situation differently and with sensitivity.

"Any change in legislation to help that process is helpful and we look forward to taking a robust stance against illegal drinking alongside our partners."

Throughout the summer, a crackdown was launched following complaints by residents, in particular, in Astley Bridge.

Police targeted young people before they arrived at a weekly disco at a Bolton nightclub.

They also visited licensees to remind them that it was illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 and child spies were used to catch Bolton shopkeepers breaking the law.

Police have already prosecuted a mother and daughter who twice sold alcohol to the undercover youngsters. Adults were also warned that it was illegal to buying drinks for young people.

Officers also stepped up patrols in the town centre over a number of weekends to discourage people from getting involved in any trouble.