Companies in Bolton are being encouraged to outlaw the lunchtime tipple to boost health and beat alcoholism.

Bolton Primary Care Trust want firms to introduce specific policies, saying workers who enjoy a pint at lunch are almost certainly consuming more than the recommended weekly intake - 21 units for men and 14 for women - if they drink again at night.

And the plans are hoping for the backing of company bosses, who say alcohol-related illness and absenteeism are hitting businesses in Bolton.

Jan Hutchinson, director of public health at Bolton PCT, said: "I would encourage companies to look at their policies with regard to alcohol consumption at lunchtime.

"By all means enjoy a drink, but I do not think that lunchtime is the right place for it.

"We know that increasing numbers of people are drinking on a regular basis more than is good for them.

"Employers need to think a bit about whether they have a policy. It is a question for people to consider. I am not being a killjoy here.

"It is just a question of balance. If you are driving or operating machinery or dealing with the public you should not be drinking at lunchtime."

Mrs Hutchinson said the scheme also hoped to encourage employers to offer more help and support for workers with alcohol-related problems.

The plan was unveiled as Bolton, Manchester, Wigan and Oldham were all named in the top 20 of areas being blighted by drink. They will share £7m to launch schemes designed to make access to alcohol services easier.

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce issued a cautious welcome to the scheme, saying alcohol in moderation was a traditional part of lunchtime business appointments.

Spokesman Nigel McFarlane said: "Any company who is interested in adopting these policies should contact us.

"We do not want to be too prescriptive because business can still be done over lunch. A lot of companies do have a policy in place, but for a minority there is the potential that lunchtime drinking can lead to a problem."

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