Cheap alcohol price addressed by government to stop binge-drinking

The Government will unveil a minimum alcohol price on Wednesday making some supermarket beer deals less cheap

12:04 28 November 2012

The Home Office is expected to announce its plans for the price of alcohol in England and Wales on Wednesday, following the minimum price being proposed at 45pence per unit. There are fears that the price hitch could affect supermarkets and local shops, in particular on their alcohol deals.

The aim is for ministers to tackle Britain’s binge-drinking culture, with ‘buy one, get one free’ deals being seen by some as aiding alcohol-related issues. It is thought that high-alcohol beverages will be affected, such as strong lagers and ciders.

Although the plan for the minimum price is devised to tackle the more heavily discounted alcoholic drinks that are sold in shops, there is concern that this will affect spirits. Drinkers such as the middle-class could see an increase in their shopping bills.

The Chief Executive from Wines and Spirits Trade Association, Miles Beale, has stated in some reports that it is not certain a minimum alcohol pricing could help solve alcohol misuse problems, and that instead a large portion of responsible drinkers could suffer.

The price that is being put forward is 5p higher than the original amount that Prime Minister David Cameron showed support for early 2012.

If the new plan is put in place, sprits such as gins and some whisky’s, including vodka, are expected to be more expensive. This is aside from strong ciders and lagers. The price of gin could reportedly rise by a fifth, from an estimated £7 to £11.

It is thought that around two thirds of all whiskeys will suffer a price hitch under the new scheme, and that they could increase by up to 10per cent.

Scotland has already seen a 50p proposal, which may have led to the government being under pressure when it comes to minimum alcohol pricing for England and Wales.

Alcoholic drinks that are served in pubs and clubs are not expected to be hit by the change.

The NHS explains that there are around two units in an average can of 4.5per cent lager, with 1.5 units being found in a small glass of wine.