A blanket booze ban in Hounslow is being exploited by drunks thanks to a legal loophole - according to police.

Safer neighbourhood team officers, who have written to the Home Office asking for the help, said it is proving impossible to police Hounslow’s designated drinking zone.

In a report presented to Hounslow Council on Tuesday, Sergeant Bev Green said officers who confiscate alcohol from yobbish drunks are becoming frustrated when they see the individuals move around the corner and buy more alcohol.

Under the booze ban, first imposed in Hounslow three years ago, officers can tip away any open bottles of alcohol, then if the offender continues drinking police can hand out a penalty notice for disorder of £50 and finally arrest the drinker who then faces a £500 fine.

But Hounslow officers claim if the drinker moves down the road, the process must start all over again.

In her report Sgt Green wrote: “Currently we have problems with street drinkers opposite the bus garage. We believe that there is a legal loophole in the law regarding the designated drinking zone and being able to deal with persistent offenders.

“It is difficult to police effectively when we can remove alcohol from a person who can then go around the corner and re-load with alcohol and continue drinking. Contact has been made with the Alcohol Strategy Unit at the Home Office with a request that the law be changed to plug the loophole.”

A Hounslow police spokesman said: “Officers are using these powers along with other legislation available to police to deal with persistent offenders who refuse to desist to drink in public and cause nuisance.

“Officers are liaising with the Home Office hoping to amend the current legislation in order for the police to deal quickly and more effectively with people who spoil it for people of Hounslow by drinking in an antisocial manner."