Proposals aimed at curbing the amount of alcohol people consume put forward by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics has been criticised by one industry body.

The Bar Entertainment and Dance Association (Beda) argued that the council, which suggested an increase in drinks prices and limiting open hours, had failed to consult the industry.

Paul Smith, executive director of Beda, said that the council had taken a "confrontational approach" without attempting to "engage" with the licensed industry, the Morning Advertiser reports.

According to the news provider, Mr Smith stated that the paper published by the council claimed to be setting an "ethical debate", yet made recommendations that were "highly political".

"It is hugely disingenuous for the Nuffield Council to give the impression they are being objective about the alcohol debate and then reaching a series of conclusions which seem to be motivated by a prohibition - not a health agenda," he argued.

Mr Smith's comments follow proposals published by the new Alcohol Health Alliance UK which called for similar steps to be taken in an effort to tackle health problems associated with alcohol.

The Alliance called for an increase in taxation on alcohol, a ban on advertising promoting alcohol before 21:00 BST and new health warnings to be included on promotional materials.

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