Doctors attack plans for 24-hour drinking

An influential group of doctors today declares war on Britain's binge-drinking culture.

The Royal College of Physicians says extending licensing hours to allow 24-hour drinking "flies in the face of common sense". It is also calling for a ban on TV advertising of alcohol before the watershed.

The College, which is holding a conference today outlining health problems and the burden on the NHS of alcohol, says the Government is not tackling the "epidemic" of alcohol abuse. It is one of a host of doctors' organisations opposed to 24-hour drinking.

Professor Ian Gilmore, chairman of the College's alcohol committee, said: "We are facing an epidemic of alcohol-related harm and to extend licensing hours flies in the face of common sense."