Medical professionals are worried at an increase in alcohol-related illness

There is particular concern about the numbers of women exceeding recommended drinking limits - a fifty per cent rise in the past decade.

Off limits

Now nearly one in four women aged 16 to 24 regularly drink twice the recommended daily limit. It is worrying many in the medical profession because there is evidence that health problems such as cirrhosis of the liver develop more quickly in women than in men.

Alcohol concern, the charity which compiled the latest figures, is urging the government to press ahead with its promised strategy to tackle alcohol abuse.

Two years ago ministers pledged to set out their plans to tackle alcohol misuse. But other health priorities such as meeting targets to reduce heart disease and cancer have knocked the timetable back.

The charity is among those lobbying for ministers to act quickly, arguing that excessive drinking is a contributory factor in many health problems.

Heavy price

Alcohol Concern has put the price of alcohol abuse in Britain at �3.3bn a year in sickness absence, unemployment and premature deaths. The cost to the NHS is estimated at �200 million.

Yvette Cooper the public health minister is being pressed to act

Any alcohol strategy will require the co-operation of the medial profession, the drinks industry (which values the market for alcohol at �30 billion a year) and charities.

Each have submitted proposals to the government setting out their priorities. These include more investment in prevention and treatment and education and a review of breath testing powers.

However significant changes to advertising rules are not thought to be on the agenda.

With a female minister such as Yvette Cooper holding the public health portfolio at a time when women are drinking more than ever before, there is likely to be increased pressure for some clear statement of the direction the government intends to follow.