The total annual cost of drink-related crime, violence and disorder stands at #20.1 billion - nearly three times the official estimate, according to a Commons report published yesterday.

The Commons Home Affairs Committee voiced concern that the Government had taken the wrong approach to tackling the growing problem of late-night disorder in town and city centres.
It called for proper city planning to ensure public safety - with provision of late- night transport, lavatories and adequate police, hospital and ambulance facilities - before pubs and clubs were allowed to stay open late.