PM considers ‘drunk tanks’

Published on 15/02/2012 00:50

DAVID Cameron will today vow to take on the “scandal” of public drunkenness and alcohol abuse that costs the NHS in England and Wales £2.7 billion a year.

On a visit to a hospital, the Prime Minister will insist that bars, supermarkets and the drinks industry must help ensure responsible drinking becomes more than “just a slogan”.

He will hit out at the “reckless” behaviour of an “irresponsible” minority and cite figures suggesting the alcohol-related costs to society as a whole are between £17-£22bn a year.

Mr Cameron will call for “innovative” solutions and raise the prospect of “drunk tanks”, widely used in Europe and the US.