A 10 week consultation on minimum alcohol pricing has been launched by the Home Office.  The proposal is to charge a minimum of 45p per unit of alcohol up 5p from the figure that was suggested in March.

The move follows on from the Scotish government’s plan to charge 50p per unit.  The 45p minimum would mean a can of strong lager could not be sold for less than £1.56 and a bottle of wine below £4.22.

Whilst many people believe it will be a very effective way of reducing irresponsible drinking the idea is quite controversial for some.

Andrew Opie, of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Most major retailers believe minimum pricing and controls on promotions are unfair to most customers. They simply penalise the vast majority, who are perfectly responsible drinkers, while doing nothing to reduce irresponsible drinking.

“The government should recognise the role of personal responsibility. It should not allow interfering in the market to regulate prices and promotions to become the default approach for public health policy.”

What do you think?  Is this a good idea to help get the nation more healthy or is this unnecessary legislation that will be bad for business?  Let us know in the comments below