Booze price peg 'punishes majority'

The Government's chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, is expected to recommend that shops be required to charge at least 50p per unit for drinks.

The idea, which is backed by health professionals but opposed by drink manufacturers, could double the cost of some beverages sold as "loss leaders" by supermarkets.

If adopted, the plan could see a can of beer costing at least £1 and bottles of wine a minimum £4, depending on strength.

It is set to be outlined in Sir Liam's annual report on the state of the nation's health amid continued concern about the effects of heavy drinking.

Nuffield, the UK's leading health charity, backed the proposal, saying increasing prices was the most effective way of cutting consumption.

Labour MP Keith Vaz said the cross-party home affairs select committee, which he chairs, considered the move "vital", given the close relationship between crime and alcohol.

But there was also furious opposition to the idea. David Poley, the chief executive of the Portman Group, set up by drinks manufacturers to promote sensible drinking, said: "This would hit the pockets of hard-working families who are already struggling to make ends meet, and it would not deter those people who drink to get drunk."

Speaking at a press conference at 10 Downing Street, Prime Minister Gordon Brown indicated that he did not want to impose additional burdens on "moderate" drinkers.

Mr Brown said the Government had already taken action to tackle binge-drinking. And he added: "We don't want the responsible, sensible majority of moderate drinkers to have to pay more or suffer as a result of the excesses of a minority."