LANDLORDS are to snub a controversial new alcoholic milk amid fears it will entice under-age drinkers.

Pubs across East Lancashire will refuse to sell the strong drink following claims it is being targeted at young people.

And two major breweries said their pubs would not be putting alco-milk behind the bar.

The five per cent proof milk - which comes in chocolate, strawberry and banana flavours - is being tested in Oxfordshire pubs before hitting the national market over the summer.

Scottish and Newcastle spokeswoman Amie Croft said: "We monitor customer demand closely and are constantly looking at new products for our customers. However, we have no intention of introducing alcoholic milk into our pubs."

A spokesman for Blackburn-based Thwaites said: "There is no demand for this product and we have no plans to sell it.

"Obviously, we always have to keep an open mind but we would never consider selling anything that was in any way harmful to young people." Tom Flannagan of the Malt and Hops, Blackburn, said the pub had already cut down on its alcopops range because of their attraction to under-age drinkers.

"We'll definitely not be selling this. It's obviously aimed at attracting youngsters and we want no part of it," he said.

A spokesman at the Brewers, Blackburn, said: "I can't see us selling this.

"We have enough alcopops on sale anyway and I don't think milk would be popular. We definitely don't want to attract children to drink."

The British Medical Association says it is 'deeply disturbed' about alcoholic milk and the Alcohol Problems Advisory Service have described it as an "unashamed attempt" to exploit the young people's market.

The producers of 'Super Milch', described as a vodka milkshake, say they are aiming the drink at young adults and reckon it is a "real winner".

Aussie rival, Moo, is also about to go on sale.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.