Plans to introduce tighter controls on the sale of alcohol in pubs and bars have been unveiled in the 2008 Queen's Speech, as part of government efforts to reduce the levels of binge drinking.

The government's new policing and crime bill has been designed to "prevent low level crime and disorder taking root in our communities," and is expected to include measures such as the banning of 'all you can drink' promotions. In addition, the speech outlined the government's intention to press ahead with plans to open up the entire coastline of English for public access, despite previous concerns from the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) and the National Farmers' Union.

The draft Marine Bill has earmarked £50m for the creation and maintenance of a coastal route, and Sir Martin Doughty, chair of Natural England, said in advance of the Queen's Speech that it was an important scheme. "There are enormous social, health and environmental benefits in enabling the public to access more of England's coastline. It is important that the Bill gives Natural England flexible powers to deliver new coastal routes while respecting others' use of the same land."

However, in response, the CLA reiterated concerns that the government hadn't done enough to address the rights of landowners. President of the CLA, Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, said: "Our concerns centre on the failure to recognise the rights of individuals who will be affected by these proposals. "This is exemplified by the lack of an independent right of appeal over the route of the corridor, and the failure to compensate business where loss is shown. It is disappointing that the government has failed to take account of the views of two of its own committees in setting out the coastal access provisions in the Marine Bill."

Another feature of the Queen's address was the Children, Skills and Learning Bill, which outlined proposals to reform training and apprenticeships for young people and adults. It will include giving people the right to request time for training, while also improving support outside of the mainstream sector. From 2013, it is also hoped that a new entitlement can be introduced for suitably-qualified young people to gain an apprenticeship, with a statutory basis established for an apprenticeship programme.