AN ANTI-ALCOHOL campaigner has issued a warning over a new hangover remedy amid fears it could encourage binge drinking.

The pill, RU-21, went on sale in the shops this week with the slogan "You may be thankful in the morning". The distributor, southern-based RU-21 Ltd., said it had spoken to medical, advertising and trading standards watchdogs in the UK and had included warnings on packages in bold type that alcohol should be taken always in moderation.

But Liz Smith, chief executive for pressure group Alcohol and Drug Services, with offices in Lancashire, said: "Hangovers are almost a good thing as they are an indicator telling us we are drinking too much. So a pill which eliminates that stage will certainly encourage binge drinking."

Inspector Andy Moore, of Burnley Police, who headed a successful Alcohol Awareness Day at the Charity Arch, Burnley, to raise awareness on how to combat binge drinking, said: "We promote safe drinking and we urge people to go out and have a good time - but not by drinking to excess."

Accidents and illness caused by alcohol are blamed for landing 150,000 people in hospital every year, accounting for 40 per cent of all A&E admissions.

Professor John Ashton, North West Regional Director of Public Health, said: "There is no miracle cure for a hangover and we would strongly criticise any product that encouraged binge drinking."

RU-21, named after the legal drinking age in the United States, is available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement, and now the pills are on sale in supermarkets, chemists, high street stores, bars, clubs and off-licences.

The supplement is said to have been created for the Russian KGB shortly after the Second World War to keep agents sober while they could drink opponents under the table before stealing their secrets.

RU-21 Ltd managing director Derry Kenneally said he could see no link between their product and excessive drinking: "RU-21 Ltd actively discourages drinking to excess and we will ensure RU-21 is marketed responsibly.

"This action has been taken despite the fact that there is no evidence we are aware of to link this safe and effective supplement with excessive drinking. "