LONDON (Reuters) - Tough new rules for pubs and clubs — including a ban on drinking games like the infamous "dentist's chair" — will be introduced in Britain this year in a bid to curb a heavy drinking culture that costs the country billions of pounds a year.

Other promotions like "all you can drink for £10 pounds ($16)", speed drinking competitions and "women drink free" nights will also be prohibited.

But, controversially, bulk offers of cheap alcohol in supermarkets — widely regarded as one of the main sources of Britain's problems with under-age and excessive drinking — will not be affected.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson said he did not want to target responsible drinkers on low incomes, but that the government and the industry had a duty to act on booze-fuelled promotions.

"These practices have a real impact on society, not to mention the lives of those who just want to enjoy a good night out," he said.