PM's vow to tackle drunken violence

He said: "Drunken violence is something we cannot tolerate. Our society sets clear boundaries about what's acceptable and what's unacceptable.

"Our streets and town centres should be safe for decent law-abiding people."

He was tackled on the issue at a press conference after talks at No 10 with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf.

His comments follow the controversy over Home Secretary Jacqui Smith questioning how safe Britain's streets were at night, and a new survey showing 56% of women felt unsafe in their own neighbourhood after dark.

Mr Brown said he wanted to ensure under-age youngsters and those clearly drunk were not served alcohol in pubs or hotels.

He said there were already plans for a review of licensing laws, to investigate the promotion and sale of cut-price drink by shops and off licences and to pursue premises who sold alcohol to under-age youngsters or drunks.

"I know we need to do more," said Mr Brown.

"We need to act to reinforce the boundaries against what's unacceptable behaviour. We will be publishing our proposals very soon.

"But the most important thing is we need to teach our young people to be responsible when it comes to drinking."