WORCESTERSHIRE Health and Well Being Board has approved a plan to combat alcohol abuse in the county.

Problems arising from alcohol abuse are among the main causes of avoidable bad health in Worcestershire, and the board is hoping to tackle the problem through a number of measures.

Councillor Marcus Hart, chairman of the Health and Well Being Board, said: "Our Big Drink debate attracted a lot of interest from partner organisations and the general public and showed people agreed the best ways to tackle the problem are better education, encouraging personal responsibility, making sure treatment is available as well as ensuring licensed premises are drink aware.

"We need to work to develop a culture where sensible drinking is the norm and will work with colleagues in licensing and planning to ensure license-holders act in responsible ways.

"This will include developing accreditation schemes for licensed premises and supporting the development of alcohol-free public activities and venues.

"This new plan takes the views from the consultation into account and an Alcohol Action Group will now be set up to develop them and put them into action."