Street drinking in a valleys town could be banned in a move to attract more shoppers.
Shop owners in Aberdare say business has suffered because of drinking, and competition from nearby towns.
If given the go ahead by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council anyone caught will face an on-the-spot £100 fine.
However, some businesses said more needed to be done to regenerate the town.
Charles Ennel, a market stall owner said:
“I’ve always been in favour of a ban on any street drinking in the town centre. A lot of people feel intimidated walking passed them.
“Fortunately, it has moved away from Market Street, but it is now a problem in the area by the local library.”
But cafe owner Gareth Rees wanted more to be done: “While I welcome the plans to ban street drinking, I find it’s only a problem on Friday and Saturday nights.
“The main issue for us is the unappealing nature of the town centre. The amount of litter that is everywhere, it’s just unappealing for shoppers to come here. We need to concentrate our resources and make it more appealing.”
The ban was suggested as part of a public consultation by the council and a decision is expected at a later date.
