Police are to be given new powers to confiscate alcohol from under-18s who drink in public, the Home Office has confirmed.
The move will be announced by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith on Wednesday, when she will also demand action from drinks manufacturers to reduce alcohol sales to teenagers.
Although under-18s are currently not allowed to buy alcohol, there is no law preventing them drinking it.
The proposed ban on drinking in public places would mean it was legal for them to consume alcohol only at home, where they are more likely to be supervised by responsible adults.
The change is intended to respond to concerns over rowdiness and drunkenness on the streets of housing estates and town centres.
A Home Office spokesman said: "The Home Secretary will listen to police and is ready to give them extra powers. She is very keen to go for this."
Ms Smith told the News of the World newspaper: "If children are caught drinking in public they will have those drinks confiscated.
"I fully support communities' efforts to stamp out under-age alcohol-fuelled disorder and the harm that it causes."
