The Government is to conduct an independent national review into the pricing and promotion of alcoholic drinks as part of a nationwide crackdown on binge drinking.

Over the next year £10m will be spent on a major social awareness campaign about the impact of excessive under-age and binge-drinking as part of the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy whose report, developed by the Home Office and Department of Health, was unveiled today.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said: “The Government recognises that promoting a sensible drinking culture is a job for the whole of society. Everyone has a personal responsibility to drink in a safe, sensible and social way.”

The report also states that pricing structures formed an effective part of reducing the impact of alcohol on heavy drinkers and young people and also proposed the formulation of local alcohol strategies where businesses the police and government work together to reduce alcohol related crime and disorder.

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By Chris Druce

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