The government is to launch an independent review into alcohol prices and promotions, under its revised alcohol strategy.
It has revealed today it will consult on compulsory alcohol labelling to warn drinkers about the dangers to their health.
The independent review of evidence on the relationship between alcohol price, promotion and harm is expected to focus on so called "deep discounting" by the supermarkets as well as on-trade pricing.
The report also says it will ensure the laws and licensing powers introduced to tackle alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder and protect young people are being used widely and effectively.
The strategy 'Safe.Sensible. Social - next steps for the National Alcohol Strategy' unveiled today by Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker and Public Health Minister Caroline Flint will focus on the minority of drinkers who cause or experience the most harm to themselves, their communities and their families.
These are:
- 18-24 year old binge-drinkers, a minority of whom are responsible for the majority of alcohol-related crime and disorder;
- Young people under 18 who drink alcohol;
- Harmful, adult drinkers who do not necessarily realise their drinking patterns are damaging their physical and mental health and may be causing substantial harm to others.
Home Office minister Vernon Coaker said: "The government recognises that promoting a sensible drinking culture is a job for the whole of society.
"Everyone has a personal responsibility to drink in a safe, sensible and social way.
"Since the previous alcohol strategy we have seen significant progress through the 'Know Your Limits' binge drinking publicity campaign, new enforcement powers in the Licensing and Violent Crime Reduction Acts and the establishment of a new independent charity, the 'Drinkaware Trust', to promote sensible drinking.
"We are looking to build on these successes and for us all to pull together and call time on the way some of us drink."
Public Health Minister Caroline Flint said: "We don't want drunken violence, vandalism and packed accident and emergency departments to be the hallmark of a packed Saturday night out in Britain."
Key actions in the strategy include:
- Sharpened criminal justice for drunken behaviour;
- A review of NHS alcohol spending;
- More help for people who want to drink less;
- Toughened enforcement of underage sales;
- Trusted guidance for parents and young people;
- Public Information campaigns to promote a new 'sensible drinking' culture;
- Public consultation on alcohol pricing and promotion;
- Compulsory local alcohol strategies.
To see the full document click the link on the right.