MPs to warn drinks trade over lack of action on binge drinking

According to the newspaper, an inquiry into the Government's alcohol strategy is expected to conclude that pledges by manufacturers to promote responsible drinking habits have failed, with too much marketing still aimed at the young and little action to tackle binge drinking.

The report is set to criticise the drinks trade, whose progress under the Responsibility Deal has lagged behind the food industry.

During hearings, MPs were sceptical about examples of progress, such as plans by one brewer to reduce the strength of a premium lager by 0.2%.

MPs said a person would need to drink 25 pints before the change made any impact to the number of units that they drank.

Evidence submitted to the inquiry by 30 medical bodies and charities called for a total ban on alcohol advertising on television.

The groups said Britain's "alcohol problem" has become so severe that drastic action is required to protect children and teenagers.

More details will be available after the report's publication on Thursday July 19.

• Lager
• Responsibility OK