BMA calls for cheap booze crackdown

The British Medical Association (BMA) called for more stringent regulations to clamp down on the sale of cheap alcohol.

It condemned supermarkets willing to sell drink at a loss, as well as two-for-one offers and other promotions.

The BMA also called for an end to happy hours in bars and clubs and better access to treatment for those suffering alcohol addiction.

The BMA insisted it is not trying to be a killjoy and recognises that many people drink safely and sensibly.

But the effects of alcohol misuse is devastating lives and raises concerns over the number of teenagers, particularly young girls, who binge drink, it added.

Dr Hamish Meldrum, chairman of the BMA, said there is "strong and consistent evidence" that price increases result in reduced consumption.

He added that the entertainment industry also has a key role to play, especially after Wednesday night's Brit Awards, where several singers were clearly drunk.

Supermarket giant Tesco said it is willing to discuss new laws with the Government to ensure "responsible pricing" of alcohol following concern that cut-price booze is fuelling binge-drinking and crime. But it said customers will simply go elsewhere if it acts unilaterally.

Public health minister Dawn Primarolo said the Government is committed to tackling the problem and is working with industry on measures such as an independent review of alcohol pricing and promotion.