Ministers are set to ban happy hours in pubs and clubs as part of a crack down on binge-drinking.

A new code of conduct will outlaw promotions that encourage drinking at speed and in large quantities.

A Sunday newspaper said the measures, designed to reduce drink-fuelled violence and injuries, would be announced by the Government at the beginning of next month.

It follows long-term concern about the costs of alcohol misuse, estimated to run to up to £25 billion a year.

Critics of liberalised licensing laws claim the move three years ago to 24-hour pub opening has exacerbated the problem.

A Department for Health spokeswoman said research on the issue had been commissioned but was unable to comment on any planned announcements.

It's been reported that the code of conduct, binding on pubs and clubs, would ban "time-limited" cut-price drink offers, or happy hours.

Other areas to be curbed include offers of free drinks for women, while alcoholic containers could feature similar health warnings to those on cigarette packets.

A Government-commissioned review of the effects of alcohol prices, promotion, consumption and harm is being undertaken by Sheffield University's school of health and related research.

It is expected to demonstrate whether prices are linked to excessive drinking and what action the Government can take.

© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.