Tony Blair and David Blunkett have committed the government to tackling under age drinking.

In a public demonstration of support for the home secretary, the prime minister joined Blunkett in his Sheffield constituency to launch the new policy initiative.

Speaking at a pub in the city centre the two men said they would make it easier for the police to shut down bars that served under 18-year-olds.

In a series of recent announcements designed to capture the law and order agenda ahead of next year's assumed general election, Labour said the move would be a part of a package of measures to tackle anti-social behaviour.

In a pointed act of solidarity with Blunkett who is being investigated over sleaze allegations Blair praised the home secretary for his work.

The prime minister said: "I'd like to pay particular tribute to David. He's handled this legislation over the past few years and has done it with immense skill and dedication.

"His instincts on this are exactly the same as mine."

On the issue of underage drinking, Blair sent a message to landlords who served children: "You cannot do this. You cannot sell alcohol to young people under the age that the law stipulates and get away with it."

"One of the things that's often forgotten is that some of those who are victims of crime are young people," he added.

"The truth is that people should be able to go out and enjoy themselves but do so in a responsible way with some respect for other people."