The CDP wants to change attitudes to drinking

The city's Crime and Drugs Partnership said about 50,000 people were exceeding guidelines for weekly alcohol units.

Hospital admissions because of drink went up from 270 to 407.

The CDP has introduced a three-year strategy to deal with the problem and hopes to change attitudes to "irresponsible" drinking.

It's only by working together that we will start to reduce the undoubted harm caused by alcohol Steve Spear, Crime and Drugs Partnership

The CDP brings together decision-makers from various organisations which have responsibility for the crime and drugs agenda in Nottingham.

Its research shows that the number of women drinking over the weekly guidelines has increased dramatically since 1989, especially among 16 to 24-year-olds.

CDP executive director Steve Spear said: "Alcohol abuse is a classic problem.

"It affects individuals, their families and the wider community. It causes problems in the home, at work and in public spaces. It damages young and old alike.

"It's only by working together that we will start to reduce the undoubted harm caused by alcohol."

Nottingham North MP Graham Allen added: "Many challenges lie ahead for all those charged with reducing the levels of illegal, irresponsible and harmful drinking in our city.

"The issues this strategy aims to tackle are complex and difficult, and there are no overnight solutions.