Cameron 'keen on minimum alcohol pricing'

Published: 29 December, 2011

The minimum pricing debate has taken an unexpected twist with reports that David Cameron has ordered officials to draw up plans for an English version of the scheme.

The Scottish government has already pledged to introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol, although it has not yet revealed its preferred level for the system and there are warnings that the proposals are illegal under European law.

The Telegraph reports that the Prime Minister has not been put off by the legal arguments and is ready to explore more robust methods of making alcohol less affordable. The government's ban on below-cost sales of drinks has been widely derided by critics who say it does nothing to prevent beer, wines and spirits being sold at "pocket money prices".

Responding to the report, the government said no decision had been taken on whether to pursue minimum pricing in England.

Trade organisations are opposed to any minimum pricing proposals, arguing they unfairly penalise lower-income consumers and do not tackle problem drinking.

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