Asda, which has a branch in Pembroke Dock, has become the first supermarket chain to announce it will not sell alcohol cheaper than the cost of duty plus VAT.

And the Home Secretary Theresa May is proposing increased powers for local councils so that they can take action in areas plagued by alcohol-related crime and also wants to ban all shops from selling alcohol at below cost price.

"I think these are very welcome ideas and I hope that these proposals come to fruition," said Mr Hart.

"Asda is to be congratulated on being the first supermarket chain to stick its head above the parapet on this issue and I hope that the others will follow suit."

The move by Asda will raise the price of the cheapest alcohol deals and promotions in Asda Pembroke Dock.

"We believe a ban on selling below duty plus VAT is the most fair, transparent and straightforward way to make progress on this key issue," said an Asda spokesman.

The Government is also proposing to give councils and the police greater powers to close shops or bars that serve children repeatedly. Fines for selling alcohol to those who are underage would also be doubled.

"At the moment local authorities have to deal with each licence individually and often find it difficult to identify a specific pub or club at fault," said Mr Hart.

"In reality the problems with drunkeness are caused by the knock -on effect of a number of nearby premises staying open late at night.

"Binge drinking is costing us too much money, in policing terms and in the cost to society, I hope these measures will go some way towards tackling the problem."