PLANS for a ban on cheap alcohol sales in supermarket have received the backing of police.

Tesco has called on the Government to take action across the retail industry and curb the sale of cheap alcohol - a move supported by Garry Shewan, assitant chief constable of Cheshire Police.

He said: "Now is the time for supermarkets and alcohol retailers to take responsibility and join together seizing this opportunity to address the issue of cheap alcohol and its effects on young people.

"This is something we in Cheshire have advocated needs to happen to halt the social decline in our communities."

Ast Ch Con Shewan spoke out following the Garry Newlove murder trial in January and says society as a whole needs to take responsibility for the drop in standards.

He added: "The connection between anti-social behaviour and alcohol is one we made in Cheshire some months ago and we have worked hard over the past 18 months to introduce standards into our policing approach to deal with alcohol related crime and disorder.

"We are now in the process of extending the ArcAngel strategy to establish accpetable standards of behaviour by retailers, individuals and the licensed trade.

"My officers will take robust action against anyone or any retail organisation that fails to meet our acceptable standards."

And he reiterated a call to the end of irresponsible drink promotions' by bar and club owners as well as the end to a targeted approach of young drinkers.