What the papers say - August 16, 2007

Police forces yesterday supported a ban on drinking in public and an increase in the price of alcohol. Nearly 200 MPs now want the government to stop...

Police forces yesterday supported a ban on drinking in public and an increase in the price of alcohol. Nearly 200 MPs now want the government to stop supermarkets selling cut-price drink after a senior policeman appealed for action to tackle drunken youths. It emerged that 193 MPs had signed a Commons motion calling for "supermarkets and off-licences … to end irresponsible drinks promotions and agree not to use alcohol as a loss leader" - Daily Telegraph

Ministers are close to a decision to crack down on the promotional sale of cheap alcohol and happy-hour discounts as part of a drive to tackle Britain's binge-drinking culture. They are also to launch a public education campaign with new guidance to parents and young people to challenge the idea that "drinking to get drunk" in public places is in any way socially acceptable - The Guardian

Britain's binge-drinking culture has been blamed for the emergence of a generation of deadly young thugs. Cheshire Police Chief Constable Peter Fahy said the combination of cheap, strong alcohol and some parents' willingness to turn a blind eye has left his force fighting a "constant battle" against booze-induced violence and loutish behaviour - The Sun

A pub landlady was fined £8,000 plus £1,200 compensation after a beer drinker gulped a pint of bleach he'd been served in error. Sally Canning, 43, had the cleaning fluid flushed through blocked ale pipes. But an unknowing barman poured a pint from a pump for John Dodd, 60, who had to have hospital treatment for tongue, throat and stomach burns. - Daily Mirror