Pubs, bars and other licensed operators are to be targeted in a Home Office crackdown on under-age drinking that kicks off next month.

The campaign will focus in particular on pubs, clubs and off-licences in areas where there are high levels of alcohol-related crime and disorder.  The Home Office said it would target 1,500 premises in 90 areas.

The campaign launched on the day Gordon Brown told a drinks industry seminar in Downing Street that the Government was concerned about co-ordinating efforts to curb under-age and irresponsible drinking.

"We have heard a number of very powerful proposals but it is clear that the solution lies beyond a stream of individual measures,” the Prime Minister said.

“It's about creating a cultural shift, having local co-ordination, better education and enforcement and individuals taking personal responsibility.”

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By Daniel Thomas

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