The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office has launched a campaign under the slogan “On holiday, don't let drink do your talking”. The idea is to encourage young holiday makers to think before they drink too much alcohol, so as not to put themselves at risk of ending up in hospital, in jail, or “worse” as the announcement states.

The consular staff in Rome has already been called on this summer to assist British nationals in trouble due to excessive drinking.

The British Consul in Rome, David Broomfield has said: “Drinking can impair judgement. The effect of being hospitalised or arrested overseas goes far beyond a ruined holiday and can have a devastating impact on family and friends – financially and emotionally. Keep in mind your insurance company may refuse to cover costs if alcohol is involved. So our message is have fun in the sun, enjoy all that Italy has to offer, but drink responsibly so you don’t put yourself at risk of harm.”

New research has shown that just over half of 16-24 year olds say that they are likely to drink more on holiday than at home. About 62 per cent claim this is because alcohol is cheaper and more readily available abroad. Peer pressure from friends is also another major factor that makes the young drink more than they want.

The British embassy in Rome and its consulates in Italy is closed on Monday 26 August.