Leicester launches biggest ever alcohol crackdown

Leicester City Council has launched its biggest ever crackdown on underage drinking and alcohol abuse.

The campaign will target young drinkers and their parents as well as retailers and pub owners through a dual policy of publicity and enforcement.

Councillors are concerned that the number of hospital admissions in the city doubled from 2,394 to 6,375 last year.

The summer campaign will include a raft of test purchase operations, labelling bottles to identify where underage drinkers bought them from and a publicity campaign in supermarkets, pubs and clubs on the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption.

Police will also target hotspots for underage drinkers.

"There is no doubt that alcohol is behind many incidents of anti-social behaviour in Leicester," said councillor Ross Willmott

"By working together in this way we can start to tackle the root cause of the problem as well as reducing the impact it has on the city."

Rod Moore, deputy director of public health, added: "Alcohol is the cause of much misery as well as pleasure, and we need to wake up to that fact.

"This campaign is an important start, and we will be working with partners and the public in the months and years ahead to ensure that alcohol can be safely and responsibly enjoyed as part of a confident and prosperous city."