Under-age and 'blatantly intoxicated' drinkers being served by nightclubs and pubs, finds damning report

Alcohol retailers are guilty of 'irresponsible and harmful practices', according to the study commissioned by the Home Office.

The report by auditors KPMG, to be published this week, was behind the Government's announcement yesterday that it is considering a ban on happy hours and cut-price drinks promotions.

Happy hours and cut-price promotions could be a thing of the past

It is being seen as an admission by the Government that its hopes of creating a Continental-style cafe culture by allowing round-the-clock drinking have failed.

The study concludes that voluntary codes set up by the drinks industry are 'not fit for purpose' and recommends the establishment of a new regulatory body or mandatory regulation by Government.

Researchers visited nearly 600 pubs, nightclubs, off-licences and supermarkets in England and found the voluntary codes repeatedly breached.

They saw venues glamorising drinking by linking it with sexual imagery, DJs inducing drinkers to consume more and customers being urged to down shots in one.

They witnessed customers who were 'swaying, stumbling, falling over, slurring their words and struggling to count out the correct money at the bar' being served more drink.

One pub encouraged drunkenness through a drinking contest and a group of underage girls were admitted to a nightclub.

Cocktails were given names associated with drugs, such as Liquid Cocaine.

The report found that supermarkets were complying more fully with the standards.