Cameron in new blast at ‘scandal’ of British boozing

Drinks makers are again on the defensive after David Cameron launched another attack on the “scandal” of British boozing.

The prime minister used a speech at a hospital to outlined a range of options at legislators’ disposal to curb excessive drinking - hinting that he could support minimum pricing on alcohol.

“Every night, in town centres, hospitals and police stations across the country, people have to cope with the consequences of alcohol abuse,” Cameron said.

“Over the last decade we’ve seen a frightening growth in the number of people — many underage — who think it’s acceptable for people to get drunk in public in ways that wreck lives, spread fear and increase crime. This is one of the scandals of our society and I am determined to deal with it.”

He continued: “Whether it’s the police officers in A&E that have been deployed in some hospitals, the booze buses in Soho and Norwich, or the drunk-tanks used abroad, we need innovative solutions to confront the rising tide of unacceptable behaviour.”

His comments came as official estimates suggested drinking costs the NHS £2.7bn a year, including £1bn on A&E services.

Next month health secretary Andrew Lansley will set out plans to cut a billion units of alcohol from sale. AB InBev and Carlsberg are among the major brewers to announce reductions in the alcohol content of leading beers in recent weeks.