PM urges "co-ordinated" approach on alcohol

Gordon Brown has called for a "co-ordinated" approach from alcohol producers and the trade to tackle binge and underage drinking.

The Prime Minister met with drinks manufacturers, doctors, academics, Rob Hayward from the British Beer & Pub Association, David Poley from the Portman Group and supermarket representatives in Downing Street this morning.

It is understood that Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and Culture Secretary James Purnell also attended the meeting.

Brown challenged alcohol producers and retailers to take part in the effort to deal with unacceptable drinking or face tougher action in the future.

He said the "coordinated" approach will "build upon the efforts to deal with some of the problems, particularly related to our target groups - that is young people and binge-drinkers."

The government said it will also press ahead with its review of the Licensing Act, with 24-hour licences likely to remain the exception rather than the rule.

A Home Office campaign launched today which will target pubs, clubs and off licences in areas with high levels of alcohol-related crime and disorder.

The campaign will also focus on the issue of pubs selling to customers that are already drunk.

Efforts over the Christmas period will be focused on up to 1,500 premises in 90 areas selling alcohol to under-age drinkers or people who are already drunk. Pubs risk heavy fines or losing their licences for repeat offences.

From January, local authorities will be able to charge pubs and clubs extra costs for managing alcohol-related disorder in new Alcohol Disorder Zones.

By the end of 2008, most labels on alcoholic products will include daily sensible drinking guidelines in addition to the already mandatory alcohol content information.