The culture secretary has promised to investigate curbs on supermarket and off-licence alcohol promotions, as well as happy hours, in a bid to appease critics of the government's new drinks laws.

A media backlash against the plans for 24-hour licenses, set to come into force this year, prompted Tessa Jowell to say she would consider placing limits on cut-price deals in a bid to curb binge drinking, as long as any move does not infringe on fair trade.

"Everyone agrees the problem of binge drinking is much greater than just alcohol in pubs," she said.

Newspaper reports have suggested that David Blunkett opposed the proposals when he was home secretary.