Early morning restrictions on the sale of alcohol are being considered in three key locations around Norwich as part of a newly launched city council consultation.

The consultation is about whether or not Norwich City Council is to introduce Early Morning Restriction Orders (EMROs) within three separate areas of the city.

The orders restrict the sale of alcohol in a particular area for a specified time between midnight and 6am and Norfolk police want them brought in to curb anti-social behaviour in the early hours.

All three proposed EMROs seek to stop the sale of alcohol from 3am to 6am, Monday to Friday, and from 3.45am to 6am on Saturday and Sunday.

If the proposals are accepted, EMRO 1 would include London Street, Bank Plain, Queens Street, Upper King Street and Tombland.

EMRO 2 would involve Prince of Wales Road, Rose Lane and St Vedas Street and EMRO 3 would cover the Riverside area.

The council can propose to make such an order if it has identified a problem in a particular area which has been caused by the supply of alcohol at two or more premises in that area.

Mike Stonard, the city council's cabinet member with responsibility for licensing, said: 'The Norwich night-time economy has grown significantly in the last few years and this presents new challenges.

'The purpose of the proposed restrictions is to deal with a small minority of people who drink very late and then cause public nuisance and commit crime in three specific areas of the city centre. These restrictions will enable the police to deal with problem behaviour much more effectively and efficiently. I would urge anyone with views to take part in the consultation.'

Detective Superintendent Paul Sanford said: 'There is a clear link between late-night opening and increases in crime and disorder; we believe these proposals would make late-night Norwich a better place.'

For more information, and for anyone interested in offering their views on the consultation, which runs until September 13, visit the current consultations section of www.norwich.gov.uk