The Home Office concentrated on evaluating the effect of the bylaw in Coventry by conducting two large-scale public surveys and interviews with a sample of junior police officers. The first public survey occurred on the street immediately prior to the bylaw's introduction in November 1988. The second survey took place a year later. In each survey, about 1,200 people were interviewed about crime and disorder in the city center. The first survey showed that many people were worried about becoming crime victims, and the sight of anyone drinking in public triggered feelings of fear. The second survey found a substantial drop in the proportion of people who perceived public drinking in the city center to be a problem. In addition, there was a reduction in fear of crime. When questioned directly about the bylaw, people in Coventry were remarkably well-informed and enthusiastic. The positive effect of bylaws in two boroughs, Restormel and Rushmoor, was similar to that in Coventry. 3 references and 1 table