Licensing pledge branded 'spin'

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Culture Secretary Andy Burnham made the pledge as he published an official review of the controversial law and admitted its effect had been negative for some parts of the country.

In a statement to the Commons, he set out measures for bolstering enforcement - including designating town centres and neighbourhoods as "problem hotspots".

This move would allow local authorities to undertake "wholesale withdrawal of licences in these areas" if necessary, according to Mr Burnham.

But the claim was quickly undermined when the Department for Culture, Media and Sport ruled out any blanket withdrawals.

A spokeswoman said councils would still need to consider licences on a "case by case basis", as they do currently.

Shadow Home Secretary David Davis insisted the confusion demonstrated that ministers were only talking tough about tackling issues.

"This is another announcement that turns out to be all spin and no substance," he said.

"This shows the Government do not have the answers to the problem of binge drinking. This makes them part of the problem, not the solution."

The department's review found that the impact of the licensing reforms, which took effect in November 2005, had been "inconsistent" across the country.