The measure comes in on January 29 and is part of a package of measures in a proposed mandatory code for alcohol retailers announced by Home Secretary Alan Johnson.

The code will also impose a set of conditions on all drinks retailers, though most will apply principally to on-trade outlets.

They include a compulsory age-verification policy and the legal requirement to check ID for anyone who looks under 18.

On-trade outlets will also see all-you-can-drink and “dentist’s chair” promotions banned, have to offer free tap water and smaller measures of alcoholic drinks.

The proposals will be implemented in two stages, in April and October.