'Two strikes' rule for off-licences

Off-licences found to be selling alcohol to under-18s will be penalised more quickly, under proposed new measures to curb problem drinking.

Under current rules, retailers can be caught three times in as many months before their license to sell alcohol is suspended.

But as part of its wide-ranging review of licensing laws, the government plans to suspend licences after two infringements in any three-month period.

Other measures include a "yellow card and red card" system, for warning premises that break the law, and for subsequently removing their licenses should they persist.

The review broadly supports the liberalisation of licensing laws, which came into force in November 2005, but notes a worrying increase in drink-related violence in the mornings between 3am and 6am.

Mark Hastings, director of communications at the British Beer & Pub Association, welcomed "the government's decision to stick with the new licensing laws."

"It is an entirely reasonable and rational conclusion, given the evidence," he said, quoted by licensee website the Morning Advertiser. "Changing the centuries-long drinking patterns and behaviours of the British will take longer than a couple of years."