POLICE have expressed disappointment that a bottle of alcohol was found on ground behind a church in Launceston.

Police Community Support Officers came across a bottle of vodka, which was alongside a bottle of Coca-Cola, hidden in the bushes on the parade ground behind St Mary Magdalene Church, while they carried out foot patrol of the area last week.

The area where the alcohol was found is a designated area, where it is prohibited to drink alcohol at any time.

Officers warned anyone found drinking alcohol in this area will be required to surrender it, which will be disposed of.

In addition, anyone found drinking alcohol there could also face being arrested or receiving a fine.

PCSO Danielle Hill told the Post a sign detailing these penalties is displayed in the area, adding: “There is no excuse.”

Anyone witnessing people drinking in the area can contact police on the 101 non-emergency number.