Alcohol industry to help tackle irresponsible drinking habits

The government has been able to prompt the drinks industry to agree to a series of pledges to tackle the 21 billion pounds-a-year cost of alcohol-related harm.

Leading companies have made the pledges as part of the industry's continuing commitment to the government's Public Health Responsibility Deal, building on the progress made towards removing one billion units from the market and introducing more responsible labelling.

The new moves will see production halted on super-strength products in large cans, while retailers have committed to more responsible displays and promotion of alcohol in shops and supermarkets.

Additionally, pubs and bars will be making sure to stock house wines below 12.5 percent ABV and promote lower-alcohol products to customers.

Home secretary Theresa May said: "We now look forward to seeing the positive impact of these pledges and continuing to work with industry to explore what else can be done to tackle alcohol abuse."

Government figures for England released earlier this year showed a drop in the number of alcohol-related deaths in the last half-decade, and ministers are keen to keep this momentum going.