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6 March 2009 11:39am
France acts over binge drinking
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French MPs have voted to ban "all you can drink" bars in an attempt to crack down on a rising alcohol binge culture.
The country has seen a big jump in youngsters having to be taken to hospital from excessive drinking.
Cases involving children aged 15 or less rose 50% between 2004 and 2007.
However the amendment however does not ban wine tastings and traditional fairs that are important to French producers of wine and spirits.
It is part of a hospital reform law that still must be passed by parliament.
Debate on the law continues next week including a further measure to ban alcohol sales at service stations except with meals in wine-producing regions.