THE North-East’s biggest council has called for the introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol.

Durham County Council passed a motion calling on all political parties to go into May’s General Election proposing a minimum price of 50p per unit of alcohol sold.

It also called for a comprehensive review of licensing laws to ensure councils can tackle alcohol-related problems and an urgent review of alcohol advertising, including banning it from cinemas except when 18-rated films are being shown and professional sport.

Councillor Nigel Martin said hospital accident and emergency departments were under massive stress and alcohol abuse was a big factor.

Cllr Lucy Hovvels said alcohol-related harm cost County Durham more than £200m a year, including £50m through the NHS, £51m in crime, £95m in workplace impact and £16m for social care.

The Scottish government has already backed a minimum unit price, but the law is being challenged by parts of the drinks industry.

The Government has banned the sale of below-cost alcohol in England and Wales.