Dr Tony Jewell, the chief medical officer (CMO) for Wales, has called for the introduction of tighter controls on alcohol in a bid to help combat binge-drinking.

According to Jewell's 2009 annual report to be published later this week, 45 per cent of adults across the country are drinking more than the recommended daily intake of alcohol. Statistics have also shown that up to 5 per cent of all absences from work are alcohol-related, while around 1,000 deaths each year can be attributed to misuse.

Jewell said: "I have along with the other UK chief medical officers, the British Medical Association, and NICE called for minimum pricing and highlighted the link between lower prices and alcohol consumption. "I welcome that the UK government has indicated it is going to take action on these issues, but I back the Welsh Health Minister's bid to request the devolution of powers to regulate the sale of alcohol by supermarkets, licensed premises, pubs and clubs."