CHILTERN'S top policeman warned businesses "to be careful what they wish for" after a plea was made for a town centre drinking ban to tackle rowdy drunks.

Chief Inspector Clive Webb said a blanket ban could stop law-abiding people from enjoying themselves after Chesham business leaders discussed a ban to stop antisocial behaviour.

Last Friday and Saturday night a police crackdown in High Street led to nine arrests after complaints from residents and shopkeepers about unruly youngsters.

Chief Insp Webb said: "I could introduce a town centre drinking ban if that is what people tell me they want, but they need to be careful what they wish for because it wouldn't just apply to the people causing antisocial behaviour. It would apply to everyone. That means when John Smith fancies having a picnic with his wife, one warm summer's day in the park, a policeman could come over and nick him for opening a bottle of wine to have with his lunch.

"A drinking ban applies to all public spaces. It wouldn't apply to restaurants or pubs, but it would apply to areas like Lowndes Park."

Chief Insp Webb admitted that exceptions could be made for outdoor public events such as Chesham Carnival, although special licences would be required.

Police said other measures exist for dealing with offenders such as antisocial behaviour contracts and orders, fines and powers of arrest for being drunk and disorderly.

Chesham business leaders are seeking further action following the chief inspector's comments.Chesham Town Centre Consortium spokesman Sue Butt said: "As far as we are aware the centre of the town is not an area people use for picnics. We're not aware of anybody who feels that it would limit their freedom.

"The consortium feels that any drinking not provided by a licensed premise like a pub, caf or restaurant encourages drunk and disorderly behaviour."

But consortium member Richard Elkington, of the Drawing Room, said: "It's ugly to see and it's usually the same people with a drinking problem. But the landlords also have a responsibility to monitor how much their customers are drinking."

The proposal is due to be discussed by Chesham Town Council in June. Any proposal would have to be decided by the licensing authority, Chiltern District Council.