Pittsburgh City Council yesterday approved quadrupling the fine for open container law violations, meaning that anyone nabbed drinking alcohol in the streets could be hit with a $200 fine.

"The nuisance problems with open containers in neighborhoods like the South Side Flats, like Oakland, seriously sap our public safety services," said Councilman Bruce Kraus, the prime sponsor.

"Is the city trying to balance the budget this way? Of course, we're not," said Council President Doug Shields. "The idea is not to collect the fine," he said, hoping it would act as a deterrent.

The change is not expected to alter tailgating, since the existing ordinance allows drinking on private property with the approval of the owner or tenant.

The maximum fine for a second offense would jump from $100 to $300.

The fine hike now goes to Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's desk for his signature or veto.