Call for council control over late drinking » Health » 24dash.com

Councils should be allowed to control late-night drinking in their own areas, according to a lobby group for local authorities.

The Government recently introduced legislation giving councils powers to close pubs and bars in rowdy areas between 3am and 6am.

But a spokesman for London Councils, a group that lobbies on behalf of the capital's 33 authorities, said boroughs should be given total control over late-night drinking in their areas.

Mike Fisher, chairman of the transport and environment committee of London Councils, said: "Boroughs listen to the needs of local communities and know what works best in their particular areas. Bringing control of licensing down to a local level will strike a balance and allow people to enjoy themselves without spoiling it for others.

"London is a diverse city and whether you fancy a nice meal, dancing the night away or just a quiet drink, there is something for everyone's taste."

The Government already made several moves this year to control drinking.

Last month, Home Secretary Alan Johnson announced drinks promotions that encourage bingeing will be banned from April.

Pubs, clubs and bars will be prevented from holding speed drinking competitions and offering "all you can drink for £10"-style offers.

But a policy of minimum pricing for alcohol remains controversial.

In January, Andy Burnham sparked renewed speculation that it could be imposed and warned some drink was "ludicrously cheap".

The Health Secretary insisted the public's "mood has changed" on the problem of excessive drinking and the Government had to respond.

But Downing Street said the move would not be "sensible" at this stage.

The Tories said the "confusing" units system for labelling alcoholic drinks should be scrapped in favour of information on how many centilitres of alcohol beverages contain - and how many calories.

The Conservatives also pledged to bring in a "payment by results" system to encourage local authorities and health services to combat heavy and anti-social drinking.