COUNCIL bosses have backed calls to introduce health warnings on alcoholic drinks - and even want a minimum price on booze.

The proposal for warn-ings about the harmful effects of drinking was made by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Misuse which also wants political parties to commit to 10 recommendations to minimise alcohol-related problems in the UK, including slashing the drink-drive limit.

County Councillor Azhar Ali, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We would welcome any move that helps to educate people about the effects of excessive drinking. We don't want a nanny state, but we do want to help people understand the dangers of alcohol and drugs.

“We already have prominent health warnings on tobacco products and nutritional information on food and soft drinks.

“Sadly, many people don't realise the risks of drinking too much, and the negative and harmful impact that excessive alcohol use can have not just on themselves, but on their families and local communities.”

East Lancashire has some of the highest levels of alcohol abuse in England, as well as associated health prob-lems such as heart and liver disease.

Coun Brian Taylor, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s cabinet member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “I welcome any initiative that mitigates against the harm done by excessive drinking, however the government is ignoring one of the most effective tools - Minimum Unit Price.

"This has been proven to work elsewhere as it targets very effectively and selectively abusive drinking whilst having hardly any effect on responsible drinkers.

"The resources we need to tackle problem drinking are massive. I think we should be using every tool at our disposal to reduce these fiscal costs as well as social costs to people.”