Popular support for raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21 years old is growing, according to a new report.

In a survey of 1,015 people conducted on behalf of BBC 2’s Newsnight, 51% agreed or strongly agreed with the suggestion of raising the legal drinking age.

Changes to the limit were opposed by 47%.

The poll shows that women favour the rise more than men with 57% of women supporting a change in the law, compared with 46% of men.

Amongst younger drinkers - those aged 18 to 24 - 61% were opposed to the limit being raised.

The majority of people are also against cut-price alcohol in supermarkets with just 26% believing there was nothing wrong with supermarkets selling beer for as low as 22p per can.

30% believed supermarkets should act more responsibly when retailing alcohol.

Nearly a quarter (23%) believed that drinks manufacturers should prevent beer being sold so cheaply but just 17% believed this was something the Government should legislate for.

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By Christopher Walton

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