Michael Howard returned to his native Wales to launch an attack on Labour's efforts to tackle binge drinkers and anti-social behaviour.

The Tory leader was in Tenby and Haverfordwest on Thursday to meet local traders and members of the public to discuss the problems.

With the home secretary David Blunkett recently launching a range of anti-yob measures the issue is shaping up to be a major theme in the run up to the general election.

In both Pembrokeshire towns Howard was being accompanied by the local Tory parliamentary candidates, hoping to gain a foothold in Wales for the party.

The Conservatives have not had any Welsh MPs since 1997 and believe they need to regain a presence to signal a recovery.

Both west Wales constituencies should be within the Tories' sights if they are to make a comeback in the principality.

Licensing

In a speech in Tenby Howard rolled out his on proposals for tightening controls on irresponsible bar owners.

"The vast majority of people who run bars and clubs are responsible and play by the rules. But some aren't," he said.

"So we will strengthen the ability of the police and local councils immediately to remove the licences of bars, pubs and clubs caught selling alcohol to people who are under-18 or already drunk.

"That'll act as a real deterrent – encouraging them to clean up their act."

The Tory leader also promised to devolve more licensing power to local councils.

"Decisions about licensing should be made in town halls – not Whitehall," he said.

"So we'll review Labour's centrally imposed Whitehall rules – with the aim of scrapping the vast majority of them.

"Twenty four hour licensing may be right for some areas – but it shouldn't be imposed on towns or cities against the wishes of local councils. And we'll give local councils the power to refuse licences if they think there are already too many bars or clubs in an area.

"Tony Blair has gone for a free for all on licensing – just like he has on gambling. And he's storing up trouble for the future," he added.

"Central government guidelines make it virtually impossible for local councils to turn down an application if they think there are already too many bars or clubs in an area."