Families will today be promised more powers to close binge-drinking troublespots after the Government proclaimed 24-hour alcohol licences a failure.

Home Secretary Theresa May will announce plans to overhaul Labour's controversial reforms, focusing on problem pubs, clubs and bars.

Last year almost a million violent crimes were alcohol-related, while the disorder caused by excessive drinking cost taxpayers up to £13 billion.

And Bristol expert Professor Martin Plant predicts more than 90,000 people will be killed by diseases linked to drinking over the next decade – more than the population of a city the size of Bath

Mrs May said: "The benefits promised by the 24-hour drinking 'café culture' have failed to materialise and in its place we have seen an increase in the number of alcohol-related incidents and drink-fuelled crime and disorder.

"We know that the majority of pubs and bars are well run but the Government believes the system needs to be rebalanced in favour of the local communities they serve with tougher action taken to crack down on the small number of premises who cause problems."

Critics will accuse her of the nanny state telling law-abiding people when they can enjoy a quiet drink, but supporters will hail her for tackling the culture that turns some West town centres into no-go areas at night.

Mrs May will launch a consultation aimed at giving communities more powers over the number and type of pubs and clubs in their area – and to crack down on problem premises.

The current legislation insists councils work on the presumption an application for a late-night licence will be granted, and only residents living close by can object.