Councils want the right to block new pubs in areas where heavy drinking is harming people’s health.
Town hall chiefs say hospital admissions and ambulance data should be looked at before granting licences for bars, clubs and takeaways selling drink.
Excessive alcohol use is estimated to cost the NHS £3.2billion a year, as well as hitting social services and the police.
The Local Government Association, which represents councils at all levels in England, says it should be a “legal requirement” to consider public health before granting alcohol licences, which also cover restaurants and off-licences.
Councils can currently only look at public safety, public nuisance, protecting children and the impact on crime.
Nesil Caliskan, leader of Enfield Council in North London, said: “The last year has shown the importance of venues taking measures to protect health.
“But under the current law councils are discouraged from using the Licensing Act [to do so].”
Ministers will respond to the proposal “in due course” – after looking at the impact in Scotland, which made the change six years ago.
But with more than 2,500 pubs closing in the pandemic, the British Beer and Pub Association, warned: “The last thing our sector needs is more red tape.”
And Camra chairman Nik Antona said: “If public health is a consideration, councils should also take into account the wellbeing and mental health benefits of a community pub or social club.”
