ROME, August 20, 2008 (AFP) - No talking to prostitutes. No begging while sitting or lying down. Italian mayors seem to be in an undeclared competition for the most creative new security laws, to judge from decrees announced Wednesday.

Italy's right-wing government has moved quickly to crack down on crime -- acting on a campaign pledge ahead of mid-April elections -- and has granted municipalities stepped-up legislative powers.

Mayors have been branded 'sheriffs' in the Italian press since the August 5 decree.

Northwestern San Remo on Wednesday banned begging while seated or lying in a public place while accompanied by animals or children.

A second law prohibits entering into contact with street walkers or people 'whose attitude, dress or behaviour shows the intention of providing sexual services.'

Qualiano, a town near southern Naples, announced that from August 29 no alcohol can be sold after 10:00 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

On all days of the week, it will be illegal to drink alcohol while walking or sitting in a car in public areas after 10:00 pm.

Other cities have made it illegal for more than three people to share a public bench after 11:00 pm, or have banned eating in the street.

Florence, the Tuscan capital and tourist mecca, has outlawed drying laundry in the street or washing windows outside certain hours.

Arguably the most improbable measure has been adopted by the northern city of Verona, where begging is punishable by a fine of 100 euros (150 dollars).