MAGISTRATES in Gwent now have the power to impose drinking banning orders as part of a crackdown on alcohol-fuelled crime.

The orders can impose conditions such as banning the person from drinking alcohol in public places which includes certain pubs, bars and off-licences and restricting them from entering certain areas.

The orders can last between two months and two years and anyone who breaches the order could face a fine of up to £2,500.

Offenders who are subject to one of the orders can also be referred to a Positive Behaviour Intervention Course to help deal with their alcohol misuse which could lead to the length of their order being reduced.

The courses will cost a fee of between £120 and £250 which the offender will have to pay to cover the costs.

Gwent is one of 25 areas in the UK which will now be able to impose any condition they think is necessary under the DBOs as a way of protecting the public from the offender committing further offences.

Other new areas include Birmingham, Bristol, Mansfield, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and Northampton.

It was first introduced to 24 other areas in England and Wales in April after being announced in August last year.

The Home Office said it will consider rolling the orders out nationwide if this recent extension proves successful.

Home Office Minister James Brokenshire said the extension will help local communities manage problem individuals and help the individuals to address the reasons for their behaviour.

He said the Government has also committed to rebalancing the Licensing Act in favour of local communities, taking tough action to tackle problem premises and banning the sale of below cost alcohol.