'Green light'

Richard Phillips, Acting Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern, added: "The poll suggests that the public does recognise the problems of alcohol misuse and it's encouraging to see that people want the government to take action.

"On the other hand, people tend to accept changes that affect others but not those that affect themselves.

"Raising drink prices would for example be an effective way of reducing excessive drinking amongst the young, but no one really likes paying more for their drink so this would make the government very unpopular.

"The fact that the public would support government interventions is a green light for stronger government action in future."

Dr Peter Tiplady, chair of the British Medical Association's Public Health Committee, said: "Although the BMA does not believe alcohol should be made illegal, the government definitely needs to tackle binge-drinking, particularly among adolescents.

"A large part of the problem is the way the drinks industry targets young people, and a ban on alcohol advertising would help prevent manufacturers from glamorising excessive alcohol consumption.

"It is currently unclear how changes to licensing laws will affect public health, and once they have been introduced, their impact needs to be thoroughly researched."

Parents' role

Jim Minton, of the Portman Group, which promotes responsible drinking. said: "The law regarding the sale of alcohol to over 18s only should be strictly enforced.

"Most pubs, off licenses and supermarkets act responsibly and do not sell alcohol to under 18s, but we would urge all staff in the licensed trade to routinely ask for Proof of Age to ensure that consumers are over the legal age limit."

He said any retailer who knowingly and persistently sold alcohol to under 18s should be aware they are risking losing their license.

Mr Minton added: "Parents have a vital role to play in educating their children about alcohol. It's important that children grow up able to make responsible choices about drinking, and educating them about alcohol will help ensure this happens."