Šumperk enforces alcohol ban in public places

The Moravian town of Šumperk has enforced a ban on alcohol consumption in public places. The town hall said its intention was to create a cleaner, friendlier environment for both locals and visitors. The regulation is directed primarily against homeless and out-of-work people who congregate in public places and spend the day drinking and pestering passers-by. A number of other Czech towns have taken similar action, banning alcohol consumption in residential areas, in the vicinity of hospitals, schools and playgrounds.