Children may face drink ban at home

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Currently any child aged five or over is legally allowed to try alcohol at home under their parents' supervision.

But a review designed to tackle the growing problem of teenage binge drinking will consider whether the legal age limit should be raised.

The Government's Youth Alcohol Action Plan could also impose new limits on advertising amid fears that children encounter too many drinks commercials on early evening TV.

Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson will begin work on new guidelines on alcohol consumption among under-18s.

At the launch of the plan in London, Sir Liam said: "The law at the moment says that you mustn't give alcohol to your child under five.

"We are going to look at the evidence very systematically and see whether it needs to be changed or strengthened."

He continued: "In the past, getting drunk was a right of passage for young people. But over the last decade or so we have moved to a situation where it's more than a right of passage.

"Young people often say that they drink to get drunk. That pattern of behaviour has become quite deeply ingrained. That behaviour pattern is undoubtedly linked to higher health risks in the medium and long term."

He added: "Ultimately, it's parents' right and responsibility to supervise their children and guide them and we want to give them every help and support in this task."