WINCHESTER police have clamped down on the public sale of alcohol at this weekend's Hat Fair - ending years of tradition.

They have objected to licences to sell alcohol at two parks, Orams Arbour and Abbey Gardens, during the popular outdoor event, just weeks after the new alcohol exclusion zone was extended across the whole of the city.

But Sandra Tuddenham, community safety officer, had previously said that the zone would not affect people drinking responsibly, and only be targeted at problem drinkers causing a nuisance.

A city council licensing sub-committee was to have considered an application on Tuesday for a temporary event licence at Orams Arbour for Sunday, July 1, and Abbey Gardens on Saturday, June 30.

In the light of police objections the applications had been withdrawn, said Hat Fair director Sian Thomas.

Police and council bosses introduced an alcohol exclusion zone' in the city centre two years ago.

Its aim was to tackle hardcore drinkers who were quaffing more than a few tipples on park benches.

While it reduced alcohol problems in the city centre, officers found that drinkers moved to the outskirts to dodge the ban.

It was extended throughout Winchester earlier this year, giving police the power to seize drink from anyone causing a nuisance.

Last year, officers agreed that the Hat Fair could operate beer tents at Abbey Gardens and Oram's Arbour.

However, police said they were worried that relaxing the rules - even briefly - would send out the wrong message.

As a result, they objected to an application by the Hat Fair to sell beer at this weekend's festival.

Sgt Karen Fisher, of North Walls police station, said about Orams' Arbour: "It will reignite the possibility of alcohol-related disorder, bring the location to the attention of drinkers, and cause confusion in the future.

"The police are not aware of any toileting facilities, and public urinating (which is disorderly and anti-social) may be an issue.

"The police have to manage alcohol-related disorder all year round.

"Changes in the rules - and for a few hours a year - can cause confusion and difficulties in enforcement for months, not just on the day in question."

Alcohol has been sold at Orams Arbour and Abbey Gardens in the past, with few if any problems, before the zone was introduced.

Ms Thomas said: "It's a shame. I'm sad that we have not got a bar. But we made the application late in the day."

She said she hoped to have earlier discussions with the police ahead of next year's event to resolve the issue.

Insp Kevin Baxman, who is based in Winchester, also called for talks well in advance of the 2008 Hat Fair.

As for this year's event, visitors will have to forego the traditional beer tents.

Police also advised that anyone bringing alcohol to the festival might be asked to hand it over.

But visitors will still be able to drink in Winchester's pubs, bars and cafés, officers said.