Hoping to reduce drug dealing, panhandling, public urination, and other problems, some London stores have stopped selling high-alcohol brews like Tennants Extra, Diamond White, and Carlsberg Special Brew, the BBC reported Feb. 25.

The decision by 25 supermarkets and shops to stop selling the drinks was made in cooperation with the Westminster City Council. "Cheap, super-strength alcohol is aimed at alcoholics, drug users and some of the most vulnerable and needy members of society," said council member Audrey Lewis. "Westminster is not alone in having to deal with the effects of the indiscriminate sale of alcohol, which blights towns and cities around the country."

Council leader Sir Simon Milton called on the U.K. government to develop a national policy to deal with the problem and for the alcohol industry to accept responsibility for its role in the nation's drinking crisis.