Opposition parties slam Labour's record on alcohol

Opposition parties have attacked Labour for failing to tackle problem drinking and the industry for ignoring voluntary codes.

Pubs face tougher regulation on the way they sell alcohol after the release of new reports claiming they act irresponsibly.

Restricting happy hours, forcing pubs to offer wine in small measures, display unit information - as well as compulsory staff training - are among the proposals in a new Government consultation.

Tory shadow health minister, Stephen O'Brien said: "It's been low on their priority list, and now we're seeing the consequences, with excessive drinking and associated violent crime still not under control."

O'Brien promised a Tory Government would take action to prevent the sale of cut-price booze and a further clampdown on those who who sell alcohol to underage drinkers.

Lib Dem shadow culture secretary Don Foster added: "The reports completely blow apart ministers' claims that they are making progress in tackling alcohol misuse successfully.

"People in towns and cities across the country know just how serious this issue is, and will not forgive the Government for its gross complacency and incompetence in dealing with it.

"If we are to have any chance of getting a grip on binge drinking then we need urgent action to reduce the availability of incredibly cheap alcohol and to ensure that the law is actually being enforced.

"The alcohol industry clearly hasn't been paying the blindest bit of notice to the Government's current approach.

"The time has now come to send a clear message - if you don't start selling alcohol responsibly, then you will lose the right to sell it at all."