Tony Blair has warned brewers and drinks firms that they may have to pay towards the costs of late-night policing in towns and cities plagued by drunken, yobbish behaviour. 

Binge drinking was in danger of becoming "the new British disease", he argued.

Government Response: Home Office

Home Office minister Hazel Blears said: "Crime trends are changing. The crimes which have traditionally concerned people the most, such as property and vehicle crime, continue to fall but have been replaced in the public’s mind by violent crime. Nearly half of all violent crime is alcohol related.

"The government, police, local authorities and the alcohol industry are all determined to tackle the alcohol fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour, which one in four people say is a problem in their area.

"This summer, in consultation with the drinks industry, we will launch a police led campaign to cut down on under-age drinking and the chaotic drink-fuelled scenes often found in our town and city centres at closing time. This will not be a one off blitz, but the start of a very long campaign through which we hope to cut violence and make people act more responsibly."

Party Response: Conservative

Shadow home secretary David Davis said: "The government's record on alcohol related crime is truly abysmal. The number of alcohol related crimes has reached an all time high, while police powers to tackle underage drinking are barely used.

"The government's alcohol strategy is little more than a panic measure and a PR gimmick. Instead of glossy publications and waffle from the prime minister, existing police powers to tackle alcohol-related crime should be thoroughly enforced. Labour have promised zero-tolerance of anti-social behaviour before – why should we believe them now?"