Minimum price for alcohol welcomed by Alcohol Concern

The government is proposing a minimum price of 40p per unit of alcohol in England and Wales in an effort to stamp out binge-drinking culture.

Ministers say the proposal would not affect responsible pubs or drinkers.

But they predict that it could significantly change the behaviour of those who cause the most problems for hospitals and the police, by making it more expensive to get drunk.

The drinks industry said the proposal was misguided and would hit consumers hard.

Eric Appleby, from Alcohol Concern, has welcomed the proposal and said it could save 3,000 lives a year.