Alcohol promotion crackdown planned

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Ministers will launch proposals for a ban on what they call "irresponsible" drinks promotions.

The mandatory code will stop offers that encourage binge drinking, such as the "dentist's chair" where alcohol is poured directly in to drinkers' mouths.

It will also hit "all you can drink" deals and bulk-buy discounts at supermarkets.

Breaches of the code could be punished with a fine of up to £20,000. Landlords could lose their licence and face up to six months in prison.

The Home Office will also propose giving new powers to councils in England and Wales to target specific outlets, such as major nightclubs, if they are causing drink-fuelled violence.

This will allow local authorities to target the times of day and premises most linked to crime, ministers will say.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith will say she does not want to penalise responsible drinkers and businesses, or impose a blanket ban on "happy hour". But she will say Government has a duty to act to curb the effects of excessive drinking on society.

Official estimates put the cost to the UK economy of excessive alcohol consumption at up to £13billion a year. Ministers are also concerned about the links between drinking and crime.

The British Beer and Pub Association has attacked the code, which it says will increase job losses in the industry and force pubs to close.