THE agency set up to encourage a more moderate approach to alcohol in the North-East has welcomed Government proposals to curb problem drinking.

Balance became the first of its kind in the UK when it was launched in February last year in a bid to change attitudes to heavy drinking.

The North-East is the worst region in the country for binge drinking, and alcoholrelated issues run up bills of more than £1bn a year.

Darlington is a particular hotspot for under-age drinkers needing hospital treatment.

Statistics show the town has the highest rate of hospital admissions for under-18s in the country.

Other figures show that 46 per cent of all violent crime in the region is alcohol-related, while offenders are under the influence of alcohol in nearly 50 per cent of all incidents of domestic abuse.

Yesterday, the Home Secretary, Theresa May, announced plans to give residents much stronger powers to object to the licences of problem pubs and clubs as part of a tightening up of the law.

She also plans to overhaul the licensing regime and call time on the 24-hour bingedrinking culture blamed for many problems.

Shops that persistently sell alcohol to under-age drinkers could see fines doubling to £20,000.

A nationwide consultation on the proposals is to be held shortly.

Dave Hogg, crime and disorder programmes manager at Balance, the North-East alcohol office, said: “We welcome the Government’s decision to consult on the way alcohol is priced and sold.

“Alcohol misuse is having a devastating effect on many of our communities and the lives of professional frontline staff in the North-East.

“While we welcome measures that address the problems caused by cheap alcohol, simply banning below-cost sales will not reduce consumption amongst heavy and young drinkers.

“Increasing tax or duty would penalise both moderate drinkers and community pubs. Introducing a minimum price would be fairer, more targeted and easier to implement.

“Alcohol is too available in too many places at too many hours of the day. Local communities need the powers to turn back the tide. We welcome the Government’s intention to change the licensing laws to give more control back to local communities and take action against bad licensees without affecting the livelihood of those landlords who play a critical role in our communities.”