Planned health warnings and unit labelling to be introduced on all alcoholic drinks packaging by the end of the year have received a lukewarm reception from the public, according to research firm Mintel.

Its poll found that only 40% of men thought the health warnings were a good idea, compared with 49% of women.

Meanwhile, 36% of women believed the labels would make them think about how much they drank, compared with 30% of men.

Mathilde Dudouit, senior research analyst at Mintel, said: "For women at least, this new initiative could well be a step in the right direction to combat excessive drinking. Men clearly are much more set in their ways when it comes to what they drink, and it will be harder to convince them to change their habits."

The study also found that two in five men would find it useful to know the number of units they were getting through, compared with more than half of women.

"Without clear information, many people will be unaware whether they are exceeding their weekly alcohol intake, or whether they are still within the safe drink drive limits after an evening out," added Dudouit.