The Government's chief medical officer proposes to increase the cost of alcohol in an effort to tackle Britain's binge drinking culture.

Sarah Payne, chief executive of YWCA says: "The chief medical officer's suggestion to reduce over consumption of alcohol by increasing the price of alcohol is a start but only a small part of the solution."

"There is some evidence that increasing the price of alcohol helps reduce drinking but why penalise moderate drinkers whilst at the same time not tackling the root cause?

"We understand that the Government needs to do more to reduce the problems associated with binge drinking. However, from our day to day work we believe that the root of binge drinking by young women is linked to them having low self esteem, confidence and self worth.

"To tackle this, we work to build young women's confidence, help them develop skills and gain employment. This in turn will develop their sense of worth."

"High quality education will also help by showing young people that alcohol can be addictive and heavy consumption of alcohol can often lead young women into unsafe situations such as unsafe sex and walking alone late at night."

"Our research shows that young people get involved with alcohol for a number of reasons. Apart from low self-esteem another is boredom, We therefore also call for more safe, interesting and secure places to go and things to do, especially in the evenings and at weekends."

For more information read our policy statements, briefings and information sheets on young women and alcohol.