Government officials plan to identify "alcohol disorder zones" in town and city centers, and owners of drinking establishments in these community will be warned that they need to deal with alcohol-related problems or face being charged the cost of extra policing, cleanup, and healthcare related to drinking.

Individuals who misbehave also could be banned from drinking in these zones.

At the same time, however, government officials are considering a plan to expand the hours that alcohol can be served in the U.K. A proposed ban on cheap-drink promotions was dropped.

Industry officials decried an accompanying rise in licensing fees.

Home Office minister Hazel Blears said that pubs found to be serving underage customers could be closed for 24 hours and fined on the spot, and that drunk and disorderly customers could face a month-long ban from pubs and clubs. "It is very much built on the idea that it will be a swift punishment for people," said Blears of the plan. "It will be a salutary lesson for those who like going out to say that you will be barred for the next four weeks."

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