Britain readies new drinking rules

LONDON, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- The British government is set to announce new regulations next week aimed at stemming alcohol-related violence and tackling problem drinking.

The new rules are contained in a code of practice to be imposed on the nation's alcoholic beverage industry and include bans on happy hours and discount drinks, The Times of London reported Wednesday.

The Times says it has learned the government is also recommending the placement of cigarette-style health warnings on bottles and cans containing alcoholic drinks, subject to the approval of the prime minister.

The industry would be given until early next year to comply with a health warning mandate.

Last summer a report by the Department of Health indicated alcohol abuse costs the government billions each year.

The report placed the price tag for extra policing and lost work at $37 billion and estimated additional healthcare costs at $4 billion.

Hospital admissions related to alcohol were 811,000 per year, the report said.